Privacy policy

1) Information on the collection of personal data and contact details of the data controller

1.1 We are pleased that you are visiting our website and thank you for your interest. In the following, we inform you about the handling of your personal data when using our website. Personal data is any data that can be used to identify you personally.

1.2 The controller of data processing on this website within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is GVB GmbH, Nordstern-Park 2, 52134 Herzogenrath, Germany, Tel.: 0049/(0)2406/6655880, Fax: 0049/(0)2406/66558810, E-Mail: info@g-v-b.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.

1.3 This website uses SSL or TLS encryption for security reasons and to protect the transmission of personal data and other confidential content (e.g. orders or inquiries to the person responsible). You can recognize an encrypted connection by the string "https://" and the lock symbol in your browser line.

2) Data collection when visiting our website

During the mere informational use of our website, i.e. if you do not register or otherwise transmit information to us, we only collect data that your browser transmits to our server (so-called "server log files"). When you call up our website, we collect the following data, which is technically necessary for us to display the website to you:

  • Our visited website
  • Date and time at the time of access
  • Amount of data sent in bytes
  • Source/reference from which you reached the page
  • Browser used
  • Operating system used
  • IP address used (if applicable: in anonymized form)

The processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO on the basis of our legitimate interest in improving the stability and functionality of our website. The data is not passed on or used in any other way. However, we reserve the right to check the server log files retrospectively if there are concrete indications of illegal use.

3) Cookies

In order to make visiting our website more attractive and to enable the use of certain functions, we use so-called cookies on various pages. These are small text files that are stored on your terminal device. Some of the cookies we use are deleted after the end of the browser session, i.e. after you close your browser (so-called session cookies). Other cookies remain on your end device and enable us or our partner companies (third-party cookies) to recognise your browser on your next visit (persistent cookies). If cookies are set, they collect and process certain user information such as browser and location data as well as IP address values to an individual extent. Persistent cookies are automatically deleted after a specified period of time, which may differ depending on the cookie.

If personal data is also processed by individual cookies implemented by us, the processing is carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b DSGVO either for the performance of the contract or in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO to protect our legitimate interests in the best possible functionality of the website as well as a customer-friendly and effective design of the page visit.

We may work with advertising partners who help us to make our website more interesting for you. For this purpose, cookies from partner companies are also stored on your hard drive when you visit our website (third-party cookies). If we cooperate with aforementioned advertising partners, you will be informed individually and separately about the use of such cookies and the scope of the information collected in each case within the following paragraphs.

Please note that you can set your browser in such a way that you are informed about the setting of cookies and can decide individually whether to accept them or can exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general. Each browser differs in the way it manages cookie settings. This is described in the help menu of each browser, which explains how you can change your cookie settings. You can find these for the respective browsers under the following links:

Microsoft Edge: https://support.microsoft.com/en-en/microsoft-edge/temporäres-zulassen-von-cookies-und-website-daten-in-microsoft-edge-597f04f2-c0ce-f08c-7c2b-541086362bd2
Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en/kb/allow-and-reject-cookies
Chrome: http://support.google.com/chrome/bin/answer.py?hl=en&hlrm=en&answer=95647
Safari: https://support.apple.com/en-en/guide/safari/sfri11471/mac
Opera: http://help.opera.com/Windows/10.20/en/cookies.html

Please note that if you do not accept cookies, the functionality of our website may be limited.

4) Contacting

Personal data is collected when contacting us (e.g. via contact form or e-mail). Which data is collected in the case of the use of a contact form can be seen from the respective contact form. This data is stored and used exclusively for the purpose of answering your request or for contacting you and the associated technical administration. The legal basis for processing this data is our legitimate interest in responding to your request in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f DSGVO. If your contact aims at the conclusion of a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 (1) lit. b DSGVO. Your data will be deleted after your request has been processed. This is the case when the circumstances indicate that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified and provided that there are no statutory retention obligations to the contrary.

5) Web analytics services

Google Analytics 4
This website uses Google Analytics 4, a service provided by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland ("Google"), to analyze the use of websites.
When using Google Analytics 4, so-called "cookies" are used by default. Cookies are text files that are stored on your terminal device and enable an analysis of your use of a website. The information collected by cookies about your use of the website (including the IP address transmitted by your terminal device, shortened by the last digits, see below) is usually transmitted to a Google server and stored and processed there. This may also result in the transmission of information to the servers of Google LLC, which is based in the USA, and further processing of the information there.
When using Google Analytics 4, the IP address transmitted by your terminal device when you use the website is always collected and processed automatically and by default only in an anonymised manner, so that the information collected cannot be directly related to a person. This automatic anonymisation is carried out by Google shortening the IP address transmitted by your terminal device within member states of the European Union (EU) or other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA) by the last digits.
On our behalf, Google uses this and other information to evaluate your use of the website, to compile reports about your website activities or your usage behavior and to provide us with other services related to your website and internet usage. In this context, the IP address transmitted and shortened by your terminal device within the scope of Google Analytics 4 will not be merged with other data from Google. The data collected in the context of the use of Google Analytics 4 will be stored for 2 months and then deleted.
Google Analytics 4 also enables the creation of statistics with statements about the age, gender and interests of website users on the basis of an evaluation of interest-based advertising and with the involvement of third-party information via a special function, the so-called "demographic characteristics". This makes it possible to determine and distinguish user groups of the website for the purpose of targeting marketing measures. However, data collected via the "demographic characteristics" cannot be assigned to a specific person and thus not to you personally. This data collected via the "demographic characteristics" function is retained for two months and then deleted.
All processing described above, in particular the setting of Google Analytics cookies for the storage and reading of information on the terminal device used by you for the use of the website, will only take place if you have given us your express consent for this in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. a DSGVO. Without your consent, Google Analytics 4 will not be used during your use of the website. You can revoke your consent once given at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your revocation, please deactivate this service via the "Cookie Consent Tool" provided on the website.
In connection with this website, the "UserIDs" function is also used as an extension of Google Analytics 4. By assigning individual UserIDs, we can have Google create cross-device reports (so-called "cross-device tracking"). This means that your usage behavior can also be analyzed across devices if you have given your corresponding consent to the use of Google Analytics 4 in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. a DSGVO, if you have set up a personal account by registering on this website and are logged into your personal account on different end devices with your relevant login data. The data collected in this way shows, among other things, on which end device you clicked on an ad for the first time and on which end device the relevant conversion took place.
In connection with this website, the Google Signals service is also used as an extension of Google Analytics 4. With Google Signals, we can have Google create cross-device reports (so-called "cross-device tracking"). If you have activated "personalized ads" in your Google account settings and linked your Internet-enabled end devices to your Google account, Google can analyze usage behavior across devices and create database models based on this if you have given your consent to the use of Google Analytics 4 in accordance with Art. 6 (1) a DSGVO. The logins and device types of all website users who were logged into a Google account and executed a conversion are taken into account. The data shows, among other things, on which device you clicked on an ad for the first time and on which device the relevant conversion took place. We do not receive any personal data from Google in this regard, but only statistics compiled on the basis of Google Signals. You have the option of deactivating the "personalized ads" function in the settings of your Google account and thus turning off the cross-device analysis in connection with Google Signals. To do this, follow the instructions on this page: https://support.google.com/ads/answer/2662922?hl=en
You can find more information about Google Signals at the following link: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/7532985?hl=en
We have concluded a so-called order processing agreement with Google for our use of Google Analytics 4, which obliges Google to protect the data of our website users and not to pass it on to third parties.
To ensure compliance with the European level of data protection also in the event of any transfer of data from the EU or the EEA to the USA and possible further processing there, Google refers to the so-called standard contractual clauses of the European Commission, which we have contractually agreed with Google.
Further legal information on Google Analytics 4, including a copy of the aforementioned standard contractual clauses, can be found at the following link: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en&gl=en
Details on the processing triggered by Google Analytics 4 and Google's handling of data from websites can be found here: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

6) Retargeting/ Remarketing/ Referral Advertising

Google Ads Remarketing
Our website uses the functions of Google Ads Remarketing, with this we advertise for this website in Google search results, as well as on third-party websites. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland ("Google"). For this purpose, Google sets a cookie in the browser of your terminal device, which automatically enables interest-based advertising by means of a pseudonymous cookie ID and on the basis of the pages you visit. Additional data processing only takes place if you have consented to Google linking your Internet and app browsing history to your Google account and using information from your Google account to personalize ads you view on the web. In this case, if they are logged into Google while visiting our website, Google will use your data together with Google Analytics data to create and define target group lists for cross-device remarketing. For this purpose, Google temporarily links your personal data with Google Analytics data to form target groups. In the course of using Google Ads Remarketing, personal data may also be transmitted to the servers of Google LLC. in the USA.
All processing described above, in particular the setting of cookies for the reading of information on the end device used, will only be carried out if you have given us your express consent to do so in accordance with Art. 6 (1) a DSGVO. Without this consent, Google Ads Remarketingl will not be used during your visit to the site.
You can revoke your given consent at any time with effect for the future. To exercise your revocation, please deactivate this service in the "Cookie Consent Tool" provided on the website.
You can also permanently object to the setting of cookies by Google Ads Remarketing by downloading and installing the Google browser plug-in available at the following link: https://support.google.com/ads/answer/7395996?
Further information and the privacy policy regarding advertising and Google can be viewed here:
https://www.google.com/policies/technologies/ads/

7) Tools and miscellaneous

7.1 Cookie Consent Tool

This website uses a cookie consent tool to obtain effective user consent for cookies and cookie-based applications that require consent. The "cookie consent tool" is displayed to users in the form of an interactive user interface when they access the page, on which consent for certain cookies and/or cookie-based applications can be given by ticking the appropriate box. By using the tool, all cookies/services requiring consent are only loaded if the respective user grants the corresponding consent by setting a check mark. This ensures that such cookies are only set on the respective user's end device if consent has been granted.
The tool sets technically necessary cookies to save your cookie preferences. Personal user data is generally not processed in this context.
If, in individual cases, personal data (such as the IP address) is processed for the purpose of storing, assigning or logging cookie settings, this is done in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. f DSGVO on the basis of our legitimate interest in legally compliant, user-specific and user-friendly consent management for cookies and thus in a legally compliant design of our website.
Further legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c DSGVO. As the responsible party, we are subject to the legal obligation to make the use of technically unnecessary cookies dependent on the respective user consent.
Further information on the operator and the setting options of the cookie consent tool can be found directly in the corresponding user interface on our website.

7.2 - Google Maps
On our website we use Google Maps (API) from Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, 4 Barrow St, Dublin, D04 E5W5, Ireland ("Google"). Google Maps is a web service for displaying interactive (land) maps in order to visually present geographical information. By using this service, you will be shown our location and it will be easier for you to find us.
Already when calling up those sub-pages in which the map of Google Maps is integrated, information about your use of our website (such as your IP address) is transmitted to Google servers and stored there, this may also result in a transmission to the servers of Google LLC. in the USA. This occurs regardless of whether Google provides a user account through which you are logged in or whether a user account exists. If you are logged in to Google, your data will be directly assigned to your account. If you do not want the assignment with your profile at Google, you must log out before activating the button. Google stores your data (even for users who are not logged in) as usage profiles and evaluates them. The collection, storage and evaluation are carried out in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO on the basis of Google's legitimate interest in the insertion of personalized advertising, market research and / or the design of Google websites to meet the needs. You have the right to object to the creation of these user profiles, whereby you must contact Google to exercise this right. If you do not agree to the future transmission of your data to Google in the context of the use of Google Maps, you also have the option of completely deactivating the Google Maps web service by turning off the JavaScript application in your browser. Google Maps and thus also the map display on this website can then not be used.
You can read Google's terms of use at https://www.google.de/intl/en/policies/terms/regional.html see the additional terms of use for Google Maps at https://www.google.com/intl/en_US/help/terms_maps.html
Detailed information on data protection in connection with the use of Google Maps can be found on the Google website ("Google Privacy Policy"): https://www.google.de/intl/en/policies/privacy/
Insofar as legally required, we have obtained your consent for the processing of your data as described above in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. a DSGVO. You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future. In order to exercise your revocation, please follow the option described above for making an objection.

8) Rights of the data subject

8.1 The applicable data protection law grants you the following data subject rights (rights of information and intervention) vis-à-vis the controller with regard to the processing of your personal data, whereby reference is made to the stated legal basis for the respective exercise prerequisites:

  • Right to information according to Art. 15 DSGVO;
  • Right to rectification pursuant to Art. 16 DSGVO;
  • Right to erasure pursuant to Art. 17 DSGVO;
  • Right to restriction of processing pursuant to Art. 18 DSGVO;
  • Right to information pursuant to Art. 19 GDPR;
  • Right to data portability according to Art. 20 DSGVO;
  • Right to revoke consent given in accordance with Art. 7 (3) DSGVO;
  • Right to lodge a complaint pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR.

8.2 RIGHT OF OBJECTION

IF WE PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF A BALANCING OF INTERESTS ON THE BASIS OF OUR OVERRIDING LEGITIMATE INTEREST, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THIS PROCESSING WITH EFFECT FOR THE FUTURE AT ANY TIME FOR REASONS ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION.
IF YOU EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO OBJECT, WE WILL STOP PROCESSING THE DATA CONCERNED. HOWEVER, WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE PROCESSING IF WE CAN DEMONSTRATE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE GROUNDS FOR THE PROCESSING THAT OVERRIDE YOUR INTERESTS, FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, OR IF THE PROCESSING IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSERTING, EXERCISING OR DEFENDING LEGAL CLAIMS.

IF WE PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR THE PURPOSE OF DIRECT MARKETING, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH MARKETING. YOU CAN EXERCISE THE OBJECTION AS DESCRIBED ABOVE.

IF YOU EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO OBJECT, WE WILL STOP PROCESSING THE DATA CONCERNED FOR DIRECT MARKETING PURPOSES.

9) Duration of the storage of personal data

The duration of the storage of personal data is determined on the basis of the respective legal basis, the purpose of processing and - if relevant - additionally on the basis of the respective statutory retention period (e.g. retention periods under commercial and tax law).

When processing personal data on the basis of explicit consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a DSGVO, this data is stored until the data subject revokes his/her consent.

If there are statutory retention periods for data that is processed within the scope of legal or quasi-legal obligations on the basis of Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. b DSGVO, this data will be routinely deleted after expiry of the retention periods, insofar as it is no longer required for the fulfilment of the contract or the initiation of the contract and/or there is no justified interest on our part in the continued storage.

When processing personal data on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) DSGVO, this data is stored until the data subject exercises his or her right to object pursuant to Art. 21(1) DSGVO, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

When processing personal data for the purpose of direct marketing on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. f DSGVO, this data is stored until the data subject exercises his/her right to object in accordance with Art. 21 (2) DSGVO.

Unless otherwise indicated in the other information in this statement on specific processing situations, stored personal data are otherwise deleted when they are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.