Privacy

Data privacy policy

I. Name and address of the person responsible

The German Environment Agency, represented by the President of the German Environment Agency, is responsible within the meaning of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Federal Data Protection Act (GDPR) and other data protection regulations:

German Environment Agency
Präsidialbereich / Presse- und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, Internet
Wörlitzer Platz 1
06844 Dessau-Roßlau
Telefon: +49-340-2103-2416
E-Mail: buergerservice@uba.de
www.umweltbundesamt.de

II. Name and address of the data privacy officer

The German Environment Agency's data privacy officer is available to answer your questions and provide you with information on the subject of data protection. He is also the contact person for the enforcement of your rights as a party concerned:

Udo Langhoff
German Environment Agency
Wörlitzer Platz 1
06844 Dessau-Roßlau
Telefon: +49-30-8903-5141
E-Mail: udo.langhoff@uba.de

III. General information on data processing

1. Scope of processing personal data

We process personal data of our users only to the extent necessary for the presentation and optimisation of a functional website as well as our content and services.

The processing of personal data of our users normally takes place only with their consent. An exception applies in those cases where the data processing is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for processing personal data

This website presented by the German Environment Agency (UBA) and its individual components are part of the public relations work of the UBA. The legal basis for processing personal data within the framework of this public relations work is Article 6 (1) point (e) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in conjunction with Section 3 of the BDSG. Where we obtain consent to process personal data, the legal basis is provided by Article 6 (1) point (a) of the GDPR.

The legal basis for processing personal data which is required for the performance of a contract to which you are a party (e.g. ordering publications and newsletters) is Article 6 (1) point (b) of the GDPR. This also applies to pre-contractual measures.

3. Data erasure and storage duration

Your personal data will be erased or blocked, as soon as the purpose for which it was stored no longer applies.

IV. Presentation of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Every time our website is accessed, our system automatically records information from the computer system which accesses it, logging the following data:

  • Information about the browser type and version used
  • The user's operating system
  • The Internet service provider of the user
  • The IP address of the user (this ensures smooth operations and protection against attacks (e.g. DDoS).
  • Date and time of access
  • Websites from which the user's system reaches our website
  • Websites accessed by the user's system via our website
  • Name of the file retrieved
  • Volume of data transmitted

Data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Article 6 (1) point (e) of the GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 of the new BDSG.

3. Purpose of the data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be delivered to the user's computer. For this the IP address of the user must remain stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, the data serves us to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not evaluated for marketing purposes.

Our legitimate interest in data processing pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR also lies in these purposes.

4. Duration of storage

The log files are stored centrally and deleted as soon as the purpose for which it was stored no longer applies.

5. Right to object and deletion

The collection of data to present the website and storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the internet presence. There is therefore no right to objection for the user.

V. Use of cookies

a) Description and scope of data processing

We do not use cookies on our website.

For third-party-cookies see chapter 'VIII. Playing videos'.

VII. Contact form, e-mail contact and postal contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

On our website you can contact us via the e-mail address provided, or by post. In this case, the user's personal data transmitted together with the e-mail or letter is stored.

In this regard, there is no disclosure of data to third parties. The data is used solely for processing the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing data in the course of sending an e-mail is Article 6 (1) point (e) of the GDPR. If the aim of the e-mail contact is the conclusion of a contractual relationship, then Article 6 (1) point (b) of the GDPR also applies to the data processing.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the input form is used solely for us to handle the contact request.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as the purpose for which it was stored no longer applies. There is a retention period of up to three years for the personal data sent by e-mail or post.

5. Right to objection and deletion

The user has the right to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, among other options, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such cases, the conversation cannot be continued.

In this event, all personal data that has been stored in the course of the contact will be deleted.


VII. Log file analysis with AWStats

1. Scope of processing personal data

We use the open source software tool AWStats to evaluate the log files that are generated by the web server based on the visitor requests. AWStats prepares the information contained in the log files as HTML pages. The following data is stored:

(1) 2 bytes of the IP address of the calling system of the user are masked (example: 194.94.xxx.xxx)
(2) The number of pages consulted
(3) The number of accesses
(4) The amount of data retrieved
(5) The last access (date and time).

All further evaluations of the log files are not assigned to any IP address of the calling system of the user. They are only evaluated as totals or averages of all users.

The analysis software runs exclusively on the servers of our website. Storage of the user’s personal data only takes place there. The data is not passed on to third parties.

2. Legal basis for processing personal data

The legal basis for processing personal data of users is Article 6 (1) point (a) of the GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data of users enables us to analyse the surfing behaviour of our users. By evaluating the collected data, we are able to generate information about the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to continually improve our website and its user-friendliness. By anonymising the IP address, the interests of the users regarding protection of personal data are sufficiently taken into account.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for our record-keeping purposes. The generated statistics and underlying data are not deleted.

5. Right to objection and deletion

Cookies are not stored on the user's computer.

VIII. Playing videos

To provide you with video content, we use the YouTube channel of the German Environment Agency.

On our website Procedures we offer you videos to play. Third-party cookies may be used. This is the case if, in addition to the four YouTube videos embedded by us (from the German Environment Agency), other suggested YouTube videos are played. This is a third-party cookie that is set by YouTube. Most browsers are set to accept cookies automatically. However, you can deactivate the storage of cookies or set your browser to notify you as soon as cookies are sent.

You can read the company’s data privacy statement at https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en&gl=en. This website provides more information on the information collected.

XI. Information on your rights

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject under the provisions of the GDPR and have the following rights that you can demand from your controller:

1. Right of access by the data subject – Art. 15 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller confirmation as to whether or not personal data concerning him or her is being processed.

Where this is the case the data subject is entitled to obtain the following information from the controller:

(1) the purposes of the processing of personal data;
(2) the categories of personal data concerned;
(3) the recipients or categories of recipient to whom the personal data has been or will be disclosed;
(4) the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if no specific information can be given, the criteria used to determine that period;
(5) the existence of the right to request from the controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing;
(6) the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
(7) where the personal data are not collected from the data subject, any available information as to their source;
(8) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.

The data subject is entitled to information on whether pertinent personal data is transferred to a third country or international organisation. Where this is the case, the data subject shall have the right to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Article 46 GDPR relating to the transfer. Please also see the Right to data portability, pursuant to Article 20 GDPR.

2. Right to rectification – Art. 16 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the rectification and/or completion of incorrect or incomplete personal data concerning him or her. The controller shall make the corrections without undue delay.

3. Right to restriction of processing – Art. 18 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller restriction of processing where one of the following applies:

(1) the accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
(2) the processing is unlawful and the data subject opposes the erasure of the personal data and requests the restriction of their use instead;
(3) the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by the data subject for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims;
(4) the data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21 (1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

Where processing has been restricted, such personal data shall, with the exception of storage, only be processed with the data subject’s consent or for the establishment, 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 Union or of a Member State.

A data subject who has obtained restriction of processing on the basis of the above preconditions shall be informed by the controller before the restriction of processing is lifted.

4. Right to erasure – Art. 17 GDPR

a) Right to be forgotten

The data subject shall have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning him or her without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

(1) the personal data is no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed;
(2) the data subject withdraws the consent on which the processing is based according to point (a) of Article 6 (1), or point (a) of Article 9 (2) GDPR, and where there is no other legal ground for the processing;
(3) the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 (2) GDPR;
(4) the personal data has been unlawfully processed;
(5) the personal data has to be erased for compliance with a legal obligation in Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject;
(6) the personal data has been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8 (1) GDPR.

b) Information to third parties

Where the controller has made the personal data public and is obliged pursuant to Article 17 (1) GDPR to erase the personal data, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, that personal data.

c) Exceptions

The right to be forgotten shall not apply to the extent that processing is necessary:

(1) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with points (h) and (i) of Article 9 (2) as well as Article 9 (3) GDPR;
(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89 (1) GDPR in so far as the right referred to in paragraph a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
(5) for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

5. Notification obligation – Art. 19 GDPR

Should the data subject have made use of the right to rectification or erasure of data or restriction of processing vis à vis the controller, the latter is obliged to communicate any rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing to each recipient to whom the personal data has been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.

The data subject is entitled to be informed by the controller about those recipients.

The right to data portability does not apply to processing personal data which is required for performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

6. Right to data portability – Art. 20 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to receive the personal data concerning him or her, which he or she has provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and have the right to haven the data transmitted to another controller, where:

the processing is based on consent pursuant to point (a) of Article 6 (1) or point (a) of Article 9 (2) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to point (b) of Article 6 (1) GDPR; and
the processing is carried out by automated means.

In exercising his or her right to data portability pursuant to paragraph 1, the data subject shall have the right to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible.

7. Right to object – Art. 21 GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to object, on grounds relating to his or her particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning him or her which is based on point (e) of Article 6 (1) GDPR.

The controller shall no longer process the personal data unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights and freedoms of the data subject or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

8. Right to withdraw consent – Art. 7 (3) GDPR

The data subject shall have the right to withdraw his or her consent at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

9. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority – Art. 77 GDPR

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, every data subject shall have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, if the data subject considers that the processing of personal data relating to him or her infringes the provisions of GDPR.

The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Article 78 GDPR.

Responsible supervisory authority:

Die Bundesbeauftragte für den Datenschutz und die Informationsfreiheit
Husarenstraße 30
53117 Bonn
Telefon: +49(0)228-997799-0
Fax: +49(0)228-997799-5550
E-Mail: poststelle@bfdi.bund.de

Version: August 2020