Privacy Policy

1. Data protection at a glance

General Information

The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data is any data that can be used to identify you personally. For detailed information on data protection, please refer to our privacy policy set out below this text.

Data collection on this website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website?

Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. You can find their contact details in the ‘Information on the Data Controller’ section of this privacy policy.

How do we collect your data?

Your data is collected, on the one hand, when you provide it to us. This may include, for example, data that you enter into a contact form.

Other data is collected automatically or, with your consent, by our IT systems when you visit the website. This consists primarily of technical data (e.g. internet browser, operating system or time of page view). This data is collected automatically as soon as you access this website.

What do we use your data for?

Some of the data is collected to ensure the website functions correctly. Other data may be used to analyse your user behaviour.

What rights do you have regarding your data?

You have the right at any time to obtain, free of charge, information about the origin, recipients and purpose of your stored personal data. You also have the right to request the rectification or erasure of this data. If you have given your consent to data processing, you may withdraw this consent at any time with effect for the future. You also have the right, under certain circumstances, to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the relevant supervisory authority.

You are welcome to contact us at any time regarding this matter or any other questions you may have about data protection.

2. Hosting

WE Webdesign

We host our website with WE Webdesign. The provider is WE Webdesign (owner: Arno Witt), Hockenbroicher Strasse 11, 53881 Euskirchen (hereinafter ‘WE Webdesign’).

Please refer to WE Webdesign’s privacy policy for further details: https://www.we-webdesign.com/datenschutz.html.

The use of WE Webdesign is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. We have a legitimate interest in ensuring that our website is displayed as reliably as possible. Where consent has been sought, processing takes place exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Data processing on behalf of a client

We have entered into a data processing agreement (DPA) with the aforementioned provider. This is a contract required under data protection law, which ensures that the provider processes the personal data of our website visitors only in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.

3. General information and mandatory details

Data Protection

The operators of this website take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy.

When you use this website, various types of personal data are collected. Personal data is data that can be used to identify you personally. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this is done.

Please note that data transmission over the internet (e.g. when communicating by email) may be subject to security vulnerabilities. It is not possible to guarantee complete protection of data against access by third parties.

Information on the data controller

The data controller for data processing on this website is:

A-JOINT GmbH

Zülpicher Str. 16
53894 Mechernich

Telephone: +49 (0) 2443 310 2060
Email: info@a-joint.de

The controller is the natural or legal person who, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data (e.g. names, email addresses, etc.).

Retention period

Unless a more specific retention period is stated in this privacy policy, we will retain your personal data until the purpose for which the data is processed no longer applies. If you make a valid request for erasure or withdraw your consent to data processing, your data will be erased, provided we have no other legally permissible grounds for storing your personal data (e.g. retention periods under tax or commercial law); in the latter case, the data will be deleted once these grounds no longer apply.

General information on the legal bases for data processing on this website

Where you have consented to data processing, we process your personal data on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) of the GDPR, where special categories of data as defined in Article 9(1) of the GDPR are processed. In the event of explicit consent to the transfer of personal data to third countries, data processing is also carried out on the basis of Article 49(1)(a) of the GDPR. If you have consented to the storage of cookies or to access to information on your device (e.g. via device fingerprinting), data processing is also carried out on the basis of Section 25(1) of the German Telemedia Act (TTDSG). Consent may be withdrawn at any time. If your data is required for the performance of a contract or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, we process your data on the basis of Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. Furthermore, we process your data where this is necessary to comply with a legal obligation on the basis of Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR. Data processing may also take place on the basis of our legitimate interest pursuant to Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. Information on the relevant legal bases in each individual case is provided in the following paragraphs of this privacy policy.

Note on the transfer of data to the USA and other third countries

Among other things, we use tools provided by companies based in the USA or other third countries that do not offer an adequate level of data protection. When these tools are active, your personal data may be transferred to these third countries and processed there. We would like to point out that a level of data protection comparable to that in the EU cannot be guaranteed in these countries. For example, US companies are obliged to disclose personal data to security authorities without you, as the data subject, being able to take legal action against this. It cannot therefore be ruled out that US authorities (e.g. intelligence services) may process, analyse and permanently store your data held on US servers for surveillance purposes. We have no influence over these processing activities.

Withdrawal of your consent to data processing

Many data processing operations are only possible with your explicit consent. You may withdraw any consent you have already given at any time. The lawfulness of the data processing carried out prior to the withdrawal remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

Right to object to data collection in specific cases and to direct marketing (Article 21 of the GDPR)

IF DATA PROCESSING IS CARRIED OUT ON THE BASIS OF ART. 6(1)(E) E OR F OF THE GDPR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT AT ANY TIME, ON GROUNDS RELATING TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, TO OBJECT TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING BASED ON THESE PROVISIONS. THE RELEVANT LEGAL BASIS ON WHICH PROCESSING IS BASED CAN BE FOUND IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU OBJECT, WE WILL NO LONGER PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA, UNLESS WE CAN DEMONSTRATE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE GROUNDS FOR THE PROCESSING WHICH OVERRIDE YOUR INTERESTS, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, OR THE PROCESSING IS NECESSARY FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, EXERCISE OR DEFENCE OF LEGAL CLAIMS (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 21(1) OF THE GDPR).

IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS BEING PROCESSED FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECT MARKETING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR THE PURPOSES OF SUCH MARKETING; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING, INSOFAR AS IT IS RELATED TO SUCH DIRECT MARKETING. IF YOU OBJECT, YOUR PERSONAL DATA WILL NO LONGER BE USED FOR THE PURPOSES OF DIRECT MARKETING (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 21(2) OF THE GDPR).

Right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority

In the event of infringements of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of their habitual residence, their place of work or the place where the alleged infringement occurred. This right to lodge a complaint is without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedies.

Right to data portability

You have the right to have data that we process automatically on the basis of your consent or in fulfilment of a contract provided to you or to a third party in a commonly used, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of the data to another data controller, this will only take place to the extent that it is technically feasible.

SSL or TLS encryption

This website uses SSL or TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as orders or enquiries that you send to us as the website operator. You can recognise an encrypted connection by the fact that the address bar of your browser changes from ‘http://’ to ‘https://’ and by the padlock icon in your browser bar.

When SSL or TLS encryption is enabled, the data you send to us cannot be read by third parties.

Access, erasure and rectification

In accordance with the applicable legal provisions, you have the right at any time to obtain, free of charge, information about your stored personal data, its origin and recipients, and the purpose of the data processing, and, where applicable, the right to have this data rectified or erased. You may contact us at any time regarding this matter or any other questions relating to personal data.

Right to restriction of processing

You have the right to request that the processing of your personal data be restricted. You may contact us at any time regarding this. The right to restriction of processing applies in the following cases:

• If you dispute the accuracy of your personal data held by us, we generally need time to verify this. For the duration of this verification, you have the right to request that the processing of your personal data be restricted.
• If the processing of your personal data has been or is being carried out unlawfully, you may request the restriction of data processing instead of erasure.
• If we no longer require your personal data, but you require it to exercise, defend or assert legal claims, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data instead of erasure.
• If you have lodged an objection under Article 21(1) of the GDPR, a balancing of interests between yours and ours must be carried out. Until it has been determined whose interests prevail, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.

If you have restricted the processing of your personal data, such data – apart from its storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the purposes of asserting, exercise or defence of legal claims, or to protect the rights of another natural or legal person, or for reasons of an important public interest of the European Union or a Member State.

Objection to promotional emails

We hereby object to the use of contact details published in accordance with the legal requirement to provide an imprint for the purpose of sending unsolicited advertising and information material. The operators of this website expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of the unsolicited sending of advertising information, for example via spam emails.

4. Data collection on this website

Cookies

Our website uses so-called ‘cookies’. Cookies are small text files that do not cause any damage to your device. They are stored on your device either temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (permanent cookies). Session cookies are automatically deleted at the end of your visit. Permanent cookies remain stored on your device until you delete them yourself or your web browser deletes them automatically.

In some cases, cookies from third-party companies may also be stored on your device when you visit our site (third-party cookies). These enable us or you to use certain services provided by the third-party company (e.g. cookies for processing payment services).

Cookies serve various purposes. Many cookies are technically necessary, as certain website functions would not work without them (e.g. the shopping basket function or the display of videos). Other cookies are used to analyse user behaviour or to display advertising.

Cookies that are required to carry out the electronic communication process, to provide specific functions you have requested (e.g. the shopping basket function) or to optimise the website (e.g. cookies used to measure website traffic) are stored on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR, unless another legal basis is specified. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing necessary cookies to ensure the technically fault-free and optimised provision of its services. Where consent has been sought for the storage of cookies and similar recognition technologies, processing takes place exclusively on the basis of this consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG); consent may be withdrawn at any time.

You can configure your browser so that you are notified when cookies are set and can choose to allow cookies only on a case-by-case basis, to block the acceptance of cookies in specific cases or generally, and to enable the automatic deletion of cookies when you close your browser. If you disable cookies, the functionality of this website may be restricted.

Where cookies are used by third parties or for analytical purposes, we will inform you of this separately within this privacy policy and, where necessary, seek your consent.

Consent via ConsentManager

Our website uses ConsentManager’s consent technology to obtain your consent to the storage of certain cookies on your device or to the use of certain technologies, and to document this in accordance with data protection regulations. This technology is provided by Jaohawi AB, Håltegelvägen 1b, 72348 Västerås, Sweden, website:https://www.consentmanager.de(hereinafter ‘ConsentManager’).

When you visit our website, a connection is established with ConsentManager’s servers to obtain your consents and other declarations regarding the use of cookies. ConsentManager then stores a cookie in your browser so that it can associate the consents you have given – or their withdrawal – with you. The data collected in this way is stored until you request its deletion, delete the ConsentManager provider cookie yourself, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies. Mandatory statutory retention obligations remain unaffected.

ConsentManager is used to obtain the legally required consents for the use of cookies. The legal basis for this is Article 6(1)(c) of the GDPR.

Data processing on behalf of a third party

We have entered into a data processing agreement (DPA) with the aforementioned provider. This is a contract required under data protection law, which ensures that the provider processes the personal data of our website visitors only in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.

Server log files

The provider of these pages automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. These include:

• browser type and browser version
• Operating system used
• Referrer URL
• Host name of the accessing computer
• Time of the server request
• IP address

This data is not combined with other data sources.

This data is collected on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in ensuring the technically error-free display and optimisation of its website – to this end, the server log files must be recorded.

Contact form

If you send us enquiries via the contact form, the details you provide in the enquiry form – including the contact details you enter there – will be stored by us for the purpose of processing your enquiry and in the event of any follow-up questions. We will not pass on this data without your consent.

The processing of this data is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, provided that your enquiry relates to the performance of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective handling of enquiries addressed to us (Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR) or on your consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR) where this has been sought; consent may be withdrawn at any time.

The data you enter in the contact form will remain with us until you request its deletion, withdraw your consent to its storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g. once your enquiry has been fully processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular retention periods – remain unaffected.

Enquiries by email, telephone or fax

If you contact us by email, telephone or fax, your enquiry, including all personal data contained therein (name, enquiry), will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of dealing with your request. We will not pass on this data without your consent.

The processing of this data is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, provided that your enquiry relates to the performance of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, the processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective handling of enquiries addressed to us (Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR) or on your consent (Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR) where this has been sought; consent may be withdrawn at any time.

The data you send to us via contact enquiries will remain with us until you request its deletion, withdraw your consent to its storage, or the purpose for storing the data no longer applies (e.g. once your enquiry has been fully processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular statutory retention periods – remain unaffected.

Registration on this website

You can register on this website to use additional features on the site. We use the data you provide for this purpose solely for the purpose of using the specific offer or service for which you have registered. The mandatory information requested during registration must be provided in full. Otherwise, we will reject the registration.

In the event of important changes, such as to the scope of our services or technically necessary changes, we will use the email address provided during registration to inform you accordingly.

The data entered during registration is processed for the purpose of fulfilling the user relationship established by the registration and, where applicable, to initiate further contracts (Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR).

We will store the data collected during registration for as long as you remain registered on this website, after which it will be deleted. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected.

5. Analytics tools and advertising

Google Tag Manager

We use Google Tag Manager. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google Tag Manager is a tool that enables us to integrate tracking or analytics tools and other technologies into our website. Google Tag Manager itself does not create user profiles, store cookies or carry out any independent analyses. It serves solely to manage and deploy the tools integrated via it. However, Google Tag Manager records your IP address, which may also be transferred to Google’s parent company in the United States.

The use of Google Tag Manager is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the quick and straightforward integration and management of various tools on its website. Where consent has been sought, processing takes place exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Google Ads

The website operator uses Google Ads. Google Ads is an online advertising programme provided by Google Ireland Limited (“Google”), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google Ads enables us to display adverts in the Google search engine or on third-party websites when the user enters specific search terms into Google (keyword targeting). Furthermore, targeted adverts can be displayed based on user data held by Google (e.g. location data and interests) (audience targeting). As the website operator, we can evaluate this data quantitatively, for example by analysing which search terms led to our adverts being displayed and how many adverts resulted in corresponding clicks.

The use of Google Ads is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in marketing its services and products as effectively as possible.

Data transfers to the USA are based on the EU Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses. Further details can be found here:https://policies.google.com/privacy/frameworksandhttps://privacy.google.com/businesses/controllerterms/mccs/.

Google Conversion Tracking

This website uses Google Conversion Tracking. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (‘Google’), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

With the help of Google Conversion Tracking, Google and we can determine whether a user has carried out certain actions. For example, this enables us to analyse which buttons on our website are clicked and how often, and which products are viewed or purchased particularly frequently. This information is used to compile conversion statistics. We are informed of the total number of users who have clicked on our adverts and the actions they have taken. We do not receive any information that would allow us to personally identify the user. Google itself uses cookies or similar recognition technologies for identification purposes.

The use of Google Conversion Tracking is based on Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in analysing user behaviour in order to optimise both its website and its advertising. Where consent has been sought, processing takes place exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Further information on Google Conversion Tracking can be found in Google’s Privacy Policy:https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de.

6. Plugins and tools

YouTube with enhanced data protection

This website embeds YouTube videos. The operator of the site is Google Ireland Limited (‘Google’), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

We use YouTube in enhanced privacy mode. According to YouTube, this mode ensures that YouTube does not store any information about visitors to this website before they watch the video. However, the enhanced privacy mode does not necessarily prevent data from being shared with YouTube partners. YouTube therefore establishes a connection to the Google DoubleClick network, regardless of whether you watch a video or not.

As soon as you start a YouTube video on this website, a connection is established with YouTube’s servers. In doing so, the YouTube server is informed which of our pages you have visited. If you are logged into your YouTube account, you allow YouTube to link your browsing behaviour directly to your personal profile. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account.

Furthermore, after you start a video, YouTube may store various cookies on your device or use similar recognition technologies (e.g. device fingerprinting). In this way, YouTube can obtain information about visitors to this website. This information is used, amongst other things, to collect video statistics, improve user-friendliness and prevent fraud.

Where applicable, further data processing operations may be triggered after a YouTube video has been played, over which we have no control.

The use of YouTube is in the interests of presenting our online services in an appealing manner. This constitutes a legitimate interest within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. Where consent has been sought, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Further information on data protection at YouTube can be found in their privacy policy at:https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de.

Google Web Fonts (locally hosted)

This site uses so-called web fonts, provided by Google, to ensure a consistent display of fonts. The Google Fonts are installed locally. No connection is made to Google’s servers.

Further information on Google Web Fonts can be found athttps://developers.google.com/fonts/faqand in Google’s privacy policy:https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de.

Google Maps

This website uses the Google Maps mapping service. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (“Google”), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

In order to use the functions of Google Maps, it is necessary to store your IP address. This information is usually transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there. The provider of this website has no influence over this data transfer. When Google Maps is activated, Google may use Google Web Fonts to ensure consistent font display. When you access Google Maps, your browser loads the required web fonts into its cache to display text and fonts correctly.

The use of Google Maps is in the interests of presenting our online services in an appealing manner and ensuring that the locations specified on our website can be easily found. This constitutes a legitimate interest within the meaning of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. Where consent has been sought, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Data transfers to the USA are based on the EU Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses. Further details can be found here:https://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/andhttps://privacy.google.com/businesses/gdprcontrollerterms/sccs/.

Further information on the handling of user data can be found in Google’s Privacy Policy:https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de.

Google reCAPTCHA

We use ‘Google reCAPTCHA’ (hereinafter ‘reCAPTCHA’) on this website. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (‘Google’), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

reCAPTCHA is designed to verify whether data entry on this website (e.g. in a contact form) is carried out by a human or by an automated programme. To this end, reCAPTCHA analyses the behaviour of the website visitor based on various characteristics. This analysis begins automatically as soon as the website visitor accesses the website. For the purposes of the analysis, reCAPTCHA evaluates various pieces of information (e.g. IP address, the length of time the website visitor spends on the website, or the mouse movements made by the user). The data collected during the analysis is forwarded to Google.

The reCAPTCHA analyses run entirely in the background. Website visitors are not notified that an analysis is taking place.

The storage and analysis of the data are carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in protecting its web services from malicious automated scraping and from spam. Where consent has been sought, processing takes place exclusively on the basis of Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR and Section 25(1) of the TTDSG, insofar as the consent covers the storage of cookies or access to information on the user’s device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent may be withdrawn at any time.

Further information on Google reCAPTCHA can be found in Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at the following links:https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=deandhttps://policies.google.com/terms?hl=de.

7. E-commerce and payment providers

Processing of data (customer and contract data)

We collect, process and use personal data only to the extent that it is necessary for the establishment, content or amendment of the legal relationship (transactional data). This is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures. We collect, process and use personal data relating to the use of this website (usage data) only to the extent necessary to enable the user to use the service or to bill them for it.

The customer data collected will be deleted once the order has been completed or the business relationship has ended. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected.