DATA PROTECTION
1. Data protection at a glance
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General information
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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 the subject of data protection, please refer to our privacy policy listed below this text.
Data collection on this website
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Who is responsible for data collection on this website?
Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. Their contact details can be found in the "Information on the responsible body" section of this privacy policy.
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How do we collect your data?
Your data is collected when you provide it to us. This may include, for example, data that you enter in a contact form. Other data is collected automatically or with your consent when you visit the website by our IT systems. This is primarily technical data (e.g. internet browser, operating system or time of page view). This data is collected automatically as soon as you enter this website.
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What do we use your data for?
Some of the data is collected to ensure that the website is error-free. Other data may be used to analyse your user behaviour.
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What rights do you have regarding your data?
You have the right to obtain information about the origin, recipient and purpose of your stored personal data free of charge at any time. You also have the right to request the correction or deletion of this data. If you have given your consent to data processing, you can revoke this consent at any time for the future. You also have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data under certain circumstances. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority. You can contact us at any time if you have any questions about this or other data protection issues.
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Analytical tools and third-party tools
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When you visit this website, your surfing behaviour may be statistically evaluated. This is primarily done using so-called analysis programmes.
Detailed information about these analysis programmes can be found in the following privacy policy.
2. Hosting
External hosting
This website is hosted by an external service provider (host). The personal data collected on this website is stored on the host's servers. This may include IP addresses, contact enquiries, meta and communication data, contract data, contact details, names, website accesses and other data generated via a website.
The hoster is used for the purpose of fulfilling contracts with our potential and existing customers (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR) and in the interest of a secure, fast and efficient provision of our online offer by a professional provider (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR). If corresponding consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user's terminal device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time. Our host will only process your data to the extent necessary to fulfil its service obligations and will follow our instructions regarding this data.
We use the following host:
Hostpoint AG
Neue Jonastrasse 60
CH-8640 Rapperswil-Jona
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Order processing
We have concluded a contract for order processing (AVV) with the above-mentioned provider. This is a contract required by data protection law, which ensures that the provider only processes the personal data of our website visitors in accordance with our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.
3. General information and mandatory information
Data protection
The operators of these pages take the protection of your personal data very seriously.
We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with the statutory data protection regulations and this data protection declaration. When you use this website, various personal data is collected. Personal data is data that can be used to identify you personally. This data protection declaration explains what data we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this is done. We would like to point out that data transmission over the Internet (e.g. when communicating by e-mail) can have security gaps. Complete protection of data against access by third parties is not possible.
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Information about the responsible body
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The responsible body for data processing on this website is:
BusinessFriends International GmbH
Burgerrietstrasse 18
CH-8730 Uznach
Email: hello@businessfriends.group
The responsible body is the natural or legal person who, alone or jointly with others, decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g. names, email addresses, etc.).
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Storage period
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Unless a more specific storage period is specified in this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for data processing no longer applies. If you assert a legitimate request for deletion or revoke your consent to data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g. tax or commercial law retention periods); in the latter case, the data will be deleted once these reasons no longer apply.
General information on the legal basis for data processing on this website
If you have consented to data processing, we process your personal data on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR, if special categories of data are processed in accordance with Art. 9 (1) GDPR.
In the event of express consent to the transfer of personal data to third countries, data processing is also carried out on the basis of Art. 49(1)(a) GDPR.
If you have consented to the storage of cookies or access to information on your end device (e.g. via device fingerprinting), data processing is also carried out on the basis of Section 25(1) TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time. If your data is necessary for the performance of a contract or for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, we process your data on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. b GDPR. Furthermore, we process your data if this is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. c GDPR. Data processing may also be carried out on the basis of our legitimate interest pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The relevant legal basis in each individual case is explained in the following paragraphs of this privacy policy.
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Note on data transfer to the USA and other third countries
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Among other things, we use tools from companies based in the USA or other third countries that are not secure in terms 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 these countries cannot guarantee a level of data protection comparable to that of the EU. 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. secret services) may process, evaluate and permanently store your data located on US servers for surveillance purposes. We have no influence on these processing activities.
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Revocation of your consent to data processing
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Many data processing operations are only possible with your express consent. You can revoke any consent you have already given at any time. The legality of the data processing carried out until the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.
Right to object to data collection in special cases and to direct marketing (Art. 21 GDPR)
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IF DATA PROCESSING IS BASED ON ART. 6(1)(e) OR (f) GDPR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA AT ANY TIME FOR REASONS ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO DATA PROCESSING BASED ON ART. 6(1)(f) GDPR. TO OBJECT TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING BASED ON THESE PROVISIONS. THE RESPECTIVE LEGAL BASIS ON WHICH PROCESSING IS BASED CAN BE FOUND IN THIS DATA PROTECTION DECLARATION. IF YOU OBJECT, WE WILL NO LONGER PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA, UNLESS WE CAN PROVE THAT THERE ARE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE GROUNDS FOR THE PROCESSING THAT OVERRIDE YOUR INTERESTS, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, OR THE PROCESSING SERVES TO ASSERT, EXERCISE OR DEFENCE OF LEGAL CLAIMS (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ART. 21(1) GDPR).
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IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS PROCESSED FOR DIRECT MARKETING PURPOSES, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA FOR SUCH MARKETING PURPOSES; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING, INSOFAR AS IT RELATES TO SUCH DIRECT MARKETING. IF YOU OBJECT, YOUR PERSONAL DATA WILL NO LONGER BE USED FOR DIRECT MARKETING PURPOSES (OBJECTION PURSUANT TO ART. 21(2) 2 GDPR
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Right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority
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In the event of violations of the GDPR, those affected 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 of the alleged violation. The right to lodge a complaint exists without prejudice to other administrative or judicial remedies.
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Right to data portability
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You have the right to have data that we process automatically on the basis of your consent or in fulfilment of a contract handed over to you or to a third party in a common, machine-readable format. If you request the direct transfer of the data to another controller, this will only be done to the extent that it is technically feasible.
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SSL or TLS encryption
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This site 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 site operator. You can recognise an encrypted connection by the fact that the address line of the browser changes from ‘http://’ to ‘https://’ and by the lock symbol in your browser line. If SSL or TLS encryption is activated, the data you transmit to us cannot be read by third parties.
Information, deletion and correction
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Within the framework of the applicable legal provisions, you have the right to obtain information free of charge at any time about your stored personal data, its origin and recipients, and the purpose of data processing, and, if applicable, a right to correct or delete this data. You can contact us at any time for this purpose or if you have any further questions on the subject of personal data.
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Right to restriction of processing
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You have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. You can contact us at any time for this purpose. The right to restriction of processing exists in the following cases:
If you dispute the accuracy of your personal data stored by us, we usually need time to verify this. For the duration of the verification, you have the right to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data.
If the processing of your personal data was/is unlawful, you can request the restriction of data processing instead of deletion.
If we no longer need your personal data, but you need 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 its erasure.
If you have lodged an objection pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR, a balance must be struck between your interests and ours. As long as it is not yet clear 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, this data – apart from its storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the assertion, exercise or defence of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the European Union or a Member State.
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Objection to advertising emails
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We hereby object to the use of contact details published within the scope of the imprint obligation for sending unsolicited advertising and information material. The operators of the pages expressly reserve the right to take legal action in the event of unsolicited sending of advertising information, for example through spam emails.
3. Data collection on this website
Cookies
Our websites use so-called ‘cookies’. Cookies are small text files and do not cause any damage to your device. They are either stored temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (permanent cookies) on your device. 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 automatically deletes them.
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 have various functions. Numerous 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 evaluate user behaviour or to display advertising.
Cookies that are necessary for the electronic communication process, for the provision of certain functions you have requested (e.g. for the shopping basket function) or for the optimisation of the website (e.g. cookies for measuring the web audience) (necessary cookies) are stored on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR, unless another legal basis is specified. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing necessary cookies for the technically error-free and optimised provision of its services. If consent to the storage of cookies and similar recognition technologies has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of this consent (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR and § 25 para. 1 TTDSG); consent can be revoked at any time.
You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies in individual cases, exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general, and activate the automatic deletion of cookies when closing the browser. If cookies are deactivated, the functionality of this website may be restricted.
If cookies from third-party companies or for analysis purposes are used, we will inform you separately in this privacy policy and, if necessary, request your consent.
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Server log files
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The provider of the pages automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. These are:
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 merged with other data sources.
This data is collected on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the technically error-free presentation and optimisation of its website – for this purpose, the server log files must be collected.
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Contact form
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If you send us enquiries via the contact form, your details from the enquiry form, including the contact details you provided there, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the enquiry and in the event of follow-up questions. We will not pass on this data without your consent.
The processing of this data is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, provided that your enquiry is related to the fulfilment of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.
In all other cases, processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective processing of enquiries addressed to us (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) if this has been requested; consent can be revoked at any time.
The data you enter in the contact form will remain with us until you request us to delete it, revoke your consent to its storage or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g. after your enquiry has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular retention periods – remain unaffected.
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Enquiries by e-mail, telephone or fax
If you contact us by e-mail, telephone or fax, your enquiry, including all resulting personal data (name, enquiry), will be stored and processed by us for the purpose of processing your request. We will not pass on this data without your consent.
This data is processed on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR, provided that your enquiry is related to the performance of a contract or is necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures. In all other cases, processing is based on our legitimate interest in the effective processing of enquiries addressed to us (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) or on your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) if this has been requested; Consent can be revoked at any time. The data you send us via contact enquiries will remain with us until you request us to delete it, revoke your consent to its storage or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g. after your enquiry has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular statutory retention periods – remain unaffected.
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Google Forms
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We have integrated Google Forms into this website. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland (hereinafter Google). Google Forms enables us to create online forms to collect messages, enquiries and other input from our website visitors in a structured manner. All entries you make are processed on Google's servers. Google Forms stores a cookie in your browser that contains a unique ID (NID cookie). This cookie stores various information, such as your language settings.
The use of Google Forms is based on our legitimate interest in determining your request in the most user-friendly way possible (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR).
If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user's terminal device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.
The data you enter in the form will remain with us until you request us to delete it, revoke your consent to its storage or the purpose for data storage no longer applies (e.g. after your enquiry has been processed). Mandatory legal provisions – in particular retention periods – remain unaffected.
For further information, please refer to Google's privacy policy at https://policies.google.com/.
5. Analysis 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 helps us integrate tracking or statistics tools and other technologies into our website. Google Tag Manager itself does not create user profiles, store cookies or perform independent analyses. It is only used to manage and display 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. Google Tag Manager is used on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in the quick and uncomplicated integration and management of various tools on its website. If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user's terminal device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.
Google Analytics
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This website uses functions of the web analysis service Google Analytics. The provider is Google Ireland Limited (‘Google’), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland. Google Analytics enables the website operator to analyse the behaviour of website visitors. The website operator receives various usage data, such as page views, length of stay, operating systems used and the origin of the user. This data is summarised in a user ID and assigned to the respective terminal device of the website visitor. Furthermore, we can use Google Analytics to record your mouse and scroll movements and clicks, among other things. Google Analytics also uses various modelling approaches to supplement the collected data sets and uses machine learning technologies in data analysis. Google Analytics uses technologies that enable user recognition for the purpose of analysing user behaviour (e.g. cookies or device fingerprinting). The information collected by Google about the use of this website is usually transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there.
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The use of this analysis tool is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in analysing user behaviour in order to optimise both its website and its advertising. If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR and § 25 (1) TTDSG, insofar as the consent includes the storage of cookies or access to information on the user's terminal device (e.g. device fingerprinting) within the meaning of the TTDSG. Consent can be revoked at any time.
Data transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details can be found here: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/controllerterms/mccs/.
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Browser plugin
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You can prevent Google from collecting and processing your data by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de.
For more information on how Google Analytics handles user data, please refer to Google's privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=de.
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Order processing
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We have concluded an order processing agreement with Google and fully implement the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities when using Google Analytics.
4. Newsletter
Newsletter data
If you would like to subscribe to the newsletter offered on the website, we require your email address and information that allows us to verify that you are the owner of the email address provided and that you agree to receive the newsletter. No further data is collected or is collected on a voluntary basis only. We use newsletter service providers, which are described below, to process the newsletter.
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Data transfer to the USA is based on the standard contractual clauses of the EU Commission. Details can be found here: https://mailchimp.com/eu-us-data-transfer-statement/ and https://mailchimp.com/legal/data-processing-addendum/#Annex_C_-_Standard_Contractual_Clauses.
After you unsubscribe from the newsletter distribution list, your email address may be stored by us or the newsletter service provider in a blacklist if this is necessary to prevent future mailings. The data from the blacklist is only used for this purpose and is not merged with other data. This serves both your interests and our interests in complying with the legal requirements for sending newsletters (legitimate interest within the meaning of Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR). There is no time limit for storage in the blacklist. You can object to the storage if your interests outweigh our legitimate interest.
For more details, please refer to MailChimp's privacy policy at: https://mailchimp.com/legal/terms/.
5. Plugins and tools
Font Awesome (local hosting)
This site uses Font Awesome for the uniform display of fonts. Font Awesome is installed locally. There is no connection to Fonticons, Inc. servers. Further information on Font Awesome can be found in the Font Awesome privacy policy at: https://fontawesome.com/privacy.
6. eCommerce and payment providers
Processing of data (customer and contract data)
We collect, process and use personal data only to the extent necessary for the establishment, content or modification of the legal relationship (inventory data). This is done on the basis of Art. 6 (1) lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the fulfilment 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 for it.The customer data collected will be deleted after completion of the order or termination of the business relationship. Statutory retention periods remain unaffected. Data transfer upon conclusion of a contract for services and digital content We only transfer personal data to third parties if this is necessary for the execution of the contract, for example to the credit institution commissioned with payment processing.
No further transfer of data takes place, or only if you have expressly consented to the transfer. Your data will not be passed on to third parties without your express consent, for example for advertising purposes. The basis for data processing is Art. 6 (1) lit. b GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the fulfilment of a contract or pre-contractual measures.
7. Own services
Handling of applicant data
We offer you the opportunity to apply for a position with us (e.g. by e-mail, post or via the online application form). Below, we provide information about the scope, purpose and use of your personal data collected during the application process. We assure you that the collection, processing and use of your data will be carried out in accordance with applicable data protection law and all other legal provisions, and that your data will be treated as strictly confidential.
Scope and purpose of data collection When you send us an application, we process your associated personal data (e.g. contact and communication data, application documents, notes taken during interviews, etc.) to the extent necessary to decide whether to establish an employment relationship. The legal basis for this is Section 26 of the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) (initiation of an employment relationship), Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR (general contract initiation) and – if you have given your consent – Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR. Consent can be revoked at any time. Your personal data will only be passed on within our company to persons involved in processing your application.
If your application is successful, the data you have submitted will be stored in our data processing systems on the basis of Section 26 BDSG and Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR for the purpose of implementing the employment relationship.
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Data retention period
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If we are unable to offer you a position, you decline a job offer or withdraw your application, we reserve the right to retain the data you have submitted for up to 6 months from the end of the application process (rejection or withdrawal of the application). The data will then be deleted and the physical application documents destroyed. The storage serves in particular for evidence purposes in the event of a legal dispute. If it is apparent that the data will be required after the expiry of the six-month period (e.g. due to an impending or pending legal dispute), deletion will only take place when the purpose for further storage no longer applies. Longer storage may also take place if you have given your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) or if statutory retention obligations prevent deletion.