Privacy Policy

We are very pleased about your interest in our company. Data protection has a particularly high priority for the management of Project SoilRob. The use of the internet pages of Project SoilRob is generally possible without any indication of personal data. However, if a data subject wishes to use special services of our company via our internet site, processing of personal data may become necessary. If the processing of personal data is necessary and there is no legal basis for such processing, we generally obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data, for example, the name, address, email address, or telephone number of a data subject, is always carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and in line with the applicable national data protection regulations for Project SoilRob. This privacy policy aims to inform the public about the nature, scope, and purpose of the personal data collected, used, and processed by us. Furthermore, data subjects are informed about their rights through this privacy policy.

Project SoilRob has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures as the data controller to ensure the most comprehensive protection of personal data processed through this website. However, internet-based data transmissions may generally have security vulnerabilities, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, it is also possible for data subjects to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for example, by telephone.

1. Definitions

The privacy policy of Project SoilRob is based on the terminology used by the European directive and regulation issuer when adopting the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be both accessible and understandable for the public, as well as for our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terminology used in advance.

We use the following terms in this privacy policy:

  • a) Personal Data

    Personal data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter referred to as "data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified directly or indirectly, in particular by referencing an identifier such as a name, identification number, location data, online identifier, or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.

  • b) Data Subject

    A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller.

  • c) Processing

    Processing is any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, deletion, or destruction.

  • d) Restriction of Processing

    Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the intention of limiting their processing in the future.

  • e) Profiling

    Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data intended to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects related to work performance, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or changes in location of that natural person.

  • f) Pseudonymization

    Pseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a way that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures that ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

  • g) Controller or Responsible Party

    Controller or responsible party is the natural or legal person, authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union law or the law of Member States, the controller or the specific criteria for its designation may be provided for by Union law or the law of Member States.

  • h) Processor

    Processor is a natural or legal person, authority, agency, or other body that processes personal data on behalf of the controller.

  • i) Recipient

    Recipient is a natural or legal person, authority, agency, or other body to which personal data are disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, authorities that may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry in accordance with Union law or the law of Member States shall not be considered recipients.

  • j) Third Party

    Third party is a natural or legal person, authority, agency, or body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and the persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or the processor, are authorized to process personal data.

  • k) Consent

    Consent is any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject's wishes by which they, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signify agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them.

2. Name and Address of the Controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union, and other provisions with data protection character is:

Project SoilRob

Eberswalder Str. 84

15374 Müncheberg

Germany

Tel.: +49 (0) 3343282-142

Email: kathrin.grahmann@zalf.de

Website: zalf.de

3. Collection of General Data and Information

The website of Project SoilRob collects a series of general data and information with each call of the website by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information is stored in the server log files. The following can be collected: (1) the types and versions of the web browsers used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system reaches our website (so-called referrer), (4) the sub-websites which are accessed via an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an Internet Protocol address (IP address), (7) the Internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to prevent danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using these general data and information, Project SoilRob does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. This information is rather needed to (1) deliver the content of our website correctly, (2) optimize the content of our website and the advertising for it, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyberattack. These anonymously collected data and information are evaluated statistically and further with the aim of increasing data protection and data security in our company, ultimately to ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

4. Contact Possibility via the Website

The website of Project SoilRob contains due to legal regulations information that enables fast electronic contact to our company, as well as direct communication with us, which also includes a general address of the so-called electronic mail (email address). If a data subject contacts the controller by email or via a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject are automatically stored. Such personal data transmitted on a voluntary basis by a data subject to the controller are stored for the purpose of processing or contacting the data subject. There is no transfer of this personal data to third parties.

5. Routine Deletion and Blocking of Personal Data

The controller processes and stores personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the storage purpose or if this is provided for by the European directive and regulation issuer or another legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the storage purpose no longer applies or if a storage period specified by the European directive and regulation issuer or by another competent legislator expires, the personal data will routinely and in accordance with the legal provisions be blocked or deleted.

6. Rights of the Data Subject

  • a) Right of Confirmation

    Every data subject has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to request from the controller confirmation as to whether personal data concerning them is being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of confirmation, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time.

  • b) Right to Access

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to obtain at any time from the controller free information about the personal data concerning them and a copy of such information. Furthermore, the European directive and regulation issuer has granted the data subject access to the following information:

    • the purposes of processing
    • the categories of personal data concerned
    • the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organizations
    • if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine that duration
    • the existence of the right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning them, or of restriction of processing by the controller, or the right to object to such processing
    • the existence of a right to complain to a supervisory authority
    • if the personal data are not collected from the data subject: all available information about the source of the data
    • the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, in accordance with Article 22 paragraphs 1 and 4 GDPR and — at least in these cases — meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the intended consequences of such processing for the data subject

    Furthermore, the data subject has the right to be informed whether personal data have been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject has the further right to obtain information about the appropriate safeguards in connection with the transfer.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time.

  • c) Right to Rectification

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to request the immediate rectification of inaccurate personal data concerning them. Furthermore, they have the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data — including by means of a supplementary statement — taking into account the purposes of the processing.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time.

  • d) Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten)

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to request from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning them without undue delay, if one of the following grounds applies and the processing is not necessary:

    • The personal data were collected or otherwise processed for such purposes for which they are no longer necessary.
    • The data subject revokes their consent on which the processing is based according to Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR or Article 9 paragraph 2 lit. a GDPR, and there is no other legal ground for the processing.
    • The data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 paragraph 1 GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to the processing pursuant to Article 21 paragraph 2 GDPR.
    • The personal data have been processed unlawfully.
    • The erasure of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union law or the law of Member States to which the controller is subject.
    • The personal data were collected in relation to the offer of information society services pursuant to Article 8 paragraph 1 GDPR.

    If one of the aforementioned reasons applies and a data subject wishes to request the deletion of personal data stored by Project SoilRob, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Project SoilRob will ensure that the deletion request is complied with immediately.

    If the personal data have been made public by Project SoilRob and our company is obliged to delete the personal data as a controller according to Article 17 paragraph 1 GDPR, Project SoilRob shall take reasonable steps, taking into account available technology and the implementation costs, to inform other controllers processing the personal data that the data subject has requested the deletion of all links to this personal data or of copies or replications of this personal data, as far as the processing is not necessary. The employee of Project SoilRob will carry out the necessary actions in each individual case.

  • e) Right to Restriction of Processing

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to request from the controller the restriction of processing if one of the following conditions is met:

    • 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.
    • The processing is unlawful, and the data subject opposes the deletion of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of their use.
    • The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject needs them for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
    • The data subject has objected to processing pursuant to Article 21 paragraph 1 GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

    If one of the above conditions is met and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by Project SoilRob, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time. The employee of Project SoilRob will initiate the restriction of processing.

  • f) Right to Data Portability

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to receive the personal data concerning them, which they have provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. They have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, provided that the processing is based on consent according to Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR or Article 9 paragraph 2 lit. a GDPR or on a contract according to Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. b GDPR and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

    Furthermore, the data subject has the right in exercising their right to data portability pursuant to Article 20 paragraph 1 GDPR to have the personal data transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible and unless this adversely affects the rights and freedoms of others.

    To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject can contact any employee of Project SoilRob at any time.

  • g) Right to Object

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to object at any time, on grounds relating to their particular situation, to processing of personal data concerning them, which is based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. e or f GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

    Project SoilRob will no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

    Where Project SoilRob processes personal data for the purpose of direct marketing, the data subject has the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning them for the purpose of such marketing. This applies to profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to Project SoilRob processing for direct marketing purposes, Project SoilRob will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

    In addition, the data subject has the right to object on grounds relating to their particular situation to the processing of personal data concerning them which is carried out at Project SoilRob for scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes in accordance with Article 89 paragraph 1 GDPR, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest.

    To exercise the right to object, the data subject can directly contact any employee of Project SoilRob or any other employee. The data subject is also free to exercise their right to object in relation to the use of services of the information society, irrespective of Directive 2002/58/EC, by automated means using technical specifications.

  • h) Automated Decisions in Individual Cases Including Profiling

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing — including profiling — that produces legal effects concerning them or similarly significantly affects them, unless the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller, or (2) is authorized by Union or Member State legislation to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on the data subject's explicit consent.

    If the decision (1) is necessary for entering into, or the performance of, a contract between the data subject and the controller or (2) is based on the data subject's explicit consent, Project SoilRob implements suitable measures to safeguard the rights and freedoms as well as the legitimate interests of the data subject, which at least includes the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express their point of view and to contest the decision.

    If the data subject wishes to assert rights concerning automated decisions, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time.

  • i) Right to Withdraw Consent Under Data Protection Law

    Every data subject whose personal data is being processed has the right granted by the European directive and regulation issuer to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data concerning them at any time.

    If a data subject wishes to exercise their right to withdraw consent, they can contact any employee of the controller at any time.

7. Legal Basis for Processing

Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. a GDPR serves as our legal basis for processing operations in which we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations that are necessary for the delivery of goods or provision of another service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. b GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations which are necessary for carrying out pre-contractual measures, for instance, in cases of inquiries regarding our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation which requires processing of personal data, such as fulfilling tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. c GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data may be necessary to protect vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were to be injured in our company and their name, age, health insurance data, or other vital information were to be disclosed to a doctor, hospital, or other third parties. Then the processing would be based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. d GDPR. Ultimately, processing operations may be based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR. This legal basis is applicable to processing operations that are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases if the processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights, and fundamental freedoms of the data subject do not override those interests. Such processing operations are particularly permitted because they have been specifically mentioned by the European legislator. He took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a customer of the controller (Recital 47 Sentence 2 GDPR).

8. Legitimate Interests in Processing Pursued by the Controller or a Third Party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6 paragraph 1 lit. f GDPR, our legitimate interest is to conduct our business activities in the interests of all our employees and shareholders.

9. Duration for Which Personal Data Will Be Stored

The criterion for the duration of storage of personal data is the respective legal retention period. After expiry of that period, the corresponding data will routinely be deleted, provided that they are no longer necessary for the performance of the contract or for the initiation of a contract.

10. Legal or Contractual Obligations to Provide Personal Data; Necessity for the Conclusion of a Contract; Obligation of the Data Subject to Provide Personal Data; Possible Consequences of Non-provision

We hereby inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g., tax regulations) or may result from contractual arrangements (e.g., information about the contracting party). Occasionally, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data, which subsequently has to be processed by us, to conclude a contract. The data subject is, for example, obliged to provide personal data to us if our company concludes a contract with them. Failure to provide personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before the data subject provides personal data, they must contact one of our employees. Our employee will inform the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of a contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of non-provision of personal data would be.

11. Existence of Automated Decision-Making

As a responsible company, we do not use automatic decision-making or profiling.