Privacy Policy

We are very pleased that you are interested in our company. Data protection is a particularly high priority for the VOIKOS management. The use of the Internet pages of VOIKOS is possible without any provision of personal data. However, if a data subject wants to use special services of our enterprise via our website, processing of personal data could become necessary. If processing of personal data is necessary, and there is no legal basis for such processing, we will obtain the consent of the data subject.

The processing of personal data (such as the name, address, e-mail address, or telephone number of a data subject) shall always be in line with the country-specific data protection regulations applicable to VOIKOS. In this Privacy Policy, our company would like to inform the public about the type, scope, and purpose of the personal data we collect, use, and process. Furthermore, data subjects are informed of their rights.

As the controller, VOIKOS has implemented numerous technical and organizational measures to ensure comprehensive protection of personal data processed through this website. However, Internet-based data transmissions are inherently vulnerable to security risks, so absolute protection cannot be guaranteed. For this reason, every data subject is free to transmit personal data to us by alternative means, for example by telephone.

1. Definitions

The VOIKOS Privacy Policy is based on the terms used by the European Directive and Regulation Authority when issuing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our Privacy Policy should be easy to read and understand – for the general public as well as for our clients and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain some terminology in advance.

In this Privacy Policy, we use the following terms:

a) Personal data

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

b) Data subject

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

c) Processing

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

d) Restriction of processing

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

e) Profiling

Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data which consists in using such personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyses or predict aspects relating to that natural person’s performance at work, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location or change of location.

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 stored separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures which ensure that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person.

g) Controller

The controller, or person responsible for processing, is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body who, 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 or Member State law, the controller (and the specific criteria for designation) may be specified under Union or Member State law.

h) Processors

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

i) Recipient

A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other body to whom personal data is disclosed, whether or not a third party. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the context of a specific investigation under Union or Member State law shall not be considered recipients.

j) Third party

Third party means any natural or legal person, public authority, agency or other 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 the personal data.

k) Consent

Consent means any freely given specific and informed indication of the wishes of the data subject, in the form of a declaration or other unambiguous affirmative act, by which the data subject signifies his/her agreement to the processing of personal data relating to him/her.

2. Name and address of the controller

The controller, in terms of General Data Protection Regulation, other data protection laws applicable in the Member States of the European Union, and other data privacy provisions, is:

VOIKOS
Helfferichstr. 1
70192 Stuttgart
Germany

Phone: +49-711-2597-4671
E-mail: felix.zimmermann@voikos.de
Website: www.voikos.de

3. Cookies

The VOIKOS website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored on a computer system via an Internet browser.

Many websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a string of characters by which Internet pages and servers can be assigned to the specific Internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This enables the visited Internet pages and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the person concerned from other Internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified via the unique cookie ID.

Through the use of cookies, VOIKOS can provide the users of this website with more user-friendly services that would not be possible without the cookie setting.

By means of a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized in the sense of the user. Cookies allow us, as already mentioned, to recognize the users of our website. The purpose of this recognition is to make it easier for users to use our website. For example, the user of a website that uses cookies does not have to re-enter his/her access data each time s/he visits the website, because this is done by the website and the cookie stored on the user’s computer system. Another example is the cookie of a shopping cart in an online store. The online shop remembers the items that a customer has placed in the virtual shopping cart via a cookie.

The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies by our website at any time by means of an appropriate setting of the Internet browser used, and thus permanently object to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, cookies that have already been set can be deleted at any time via an Internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common Internet browsers. If the data subject deactivates the setting of cookies in the Internet browser used, some functions of our website may not be fully usable.

4. Collection of general data and information

The VOIKOS website collects a series of general data and information every time a data subject or automated system calls up the website. This general data and information is stored in the log files of the server. The following data may be collected: (1) the browser types and versions used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system accesses our website (so-called referrer), (4) the sub-websites that 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 avert danger in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, VOIKOS does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed (1) to deliver the contents of our website correctly, (2) to optimize the contents of our website and the advertising for these, (3) to ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) to provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for prosecution in the event of a cyber-attack. Therefore, VOIKOS analyzes anonymously collected data and information on one hand, and on the other hand, with the aim of increasing the data privacy and data security of our enterprise, 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 any personal data submitted by a data subject.

5. Contact possibility via the website

Based on statutory provisions, the VOIKOS website contains information that enables a quick electronic contact to our enterprise, as well as direct communication with us, which includes an electronic mail (e-mail) address. If a data subject contacts the controller via e-mail, or by using a contact form, the personal data transmitted by the data subject will be stored automatically. Such personal data, transmitted on a voluntary basis by a data subject to the controller, will be stored for the purposes of processing the message or contacting the data subject. This personal data will not be disclosed to third parties.

6. Routine deletion and blocking of personal data

The controller shall process and store personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage or where provided for by the European Directive and Regulation Authority or other legislator in laws or regulations to which the controller is subject.

If the purpose of storage no longer applies or if a storage period prescribed by the European Directive and Regulation Authority or another competent legislator expires, the personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with the statutory provisions.

7. Rights of the data subject

a) The right to confirmation

Every data subject has the right, granted by the European Directive and the Regulation Authority, to obtain confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning him/her are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

b) The right to access

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to obtain at any time from the controller, free of charge, information about the personal data concerning him/her that have been stored, as well as a copy of that information. Furthermore, the European Directive and Regulation Authority has granted the data subject access to the following information:

The processing purposes
The categories of personal data processed
The recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data has been or will be disclosed, in particular in the case of recipients in third countries or international organizations
if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored or, if this is not possible, the criteria for determining this duration
The existence of the right to obtain the rectification or erasure of personal data concerning him/her, or to obtain the restriction of processing by the controller or the right to object to such processing
The existence of a right to appeal to a supervisory authority
If the personal data is not collected from the data subject: all available information on the origin of the data
The existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, pursuant to Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in these cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, and the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject

The data subject shall also have the right to obtain information as to whether personal data has been transferred to a third country or to an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject shall also have the right to obtain information on the appropriate safeguards in relation to the transfer.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to access, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

c) The right to rectification

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to obtain the rectification without delay of inaccurate personal data concerning him/her. The data subject shall also have the right to obtain, taking into account the purposes of the processing, the completion of any incomplete personal data, including by means of a supplementary declaration.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectify, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

d) The right to erasure

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and the Regulation Authority, to obtain from the controller the erasure without delay of personal data concerning him/her, where one of the following reasons applies and insofar as the processing is not necessary:

The personal data was collected or otherwise processed for purposes for which it is no longer necessary.
The data subject revokes the consent on which the processing was based, pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
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.
The personal data has been processed unlawfully.
The deletion of the personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
The personal data was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Article 8(1) GDPR.
If one of the aforementioned reasons applies, and a data subject wishes to arrange for the deletion of personal data stored by VOIKOS, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of VOIKOS will arrange for the deletion request to be complied with immediately.

If the personal data has been made public by VOIKOS, and if our company as the controller is obliged to delete the personal data pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR, VOIKOS shall implement reasonable measures, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and the cost of implementation, in order to inform other data controllers who process the published personal data that the data subject has requested from those other data controllers to erase all links to the personal data or copies or replications of the personal data, unless the processing is necessary. The employee of VOIKOS will arrange the necessary measures individually.

e) The right to restrict processing

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to obtain from the controller the restriction of processing where 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, the data subject objects to the erasure of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of the use of the personal data.
The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject needs it for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims.
The data subject has objected to the processing pursuant to Article 21(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 aforementioned conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by VOIKOS, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller. The employee of VOIKOS will arrange the restriction of the processing.

f) The right to data portability

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to receive the personal data concerning him/her, which have been provided by the data subject to a controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. S/he also has the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data has been provided, provided that the processing is based on consent pursuant to Article 6(1)(a) GDPR or Article 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Article 6(1)(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, when exercising his/her right to data portability pursuant to Article 20(1) GDPR, the data subject shall have the right to obtain that the personal data be transferred directly from one controller to another controller, where technically feasible, and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights or freedoms of other individuals.

In order to assert the right to data portability, the data subject may at any time contact any employee of VOIKOS.

g) The right to object

Any data subject has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to object at any time, on grounds relating to his/her particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning him/her which is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

In the event of an objection, VOIKOS shall no longer process the respective personal data, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or for the assertion, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

If VOIKOS processes personal data for direct marketing purposes, the data subject shall have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data processed for such marketing. This also applies to the profiling, insofar as it is related to such direct marketing. If the data subject objects to VOIKOS to the processing for direct marketing purposes, VOIKOS will no longer process the personal data for these purposes.

In addition, the data subject has the right, on grounds relating to his/her particular situation, to object to processing of personal data concerning him/her which is carried out by VOIKOS for scientific or historical research purposes, or for statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) GDPR, unless such processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out for reasons of public interest.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject may directly contact any employee of VOIKOS or another employee. The data subject is also free to exercise his/her right to object by means of IT services and automated procedures using technical specifications, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC.

h) Automated decisions in individual cases, including profiling

Any person concerned by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and the Regulation Authority, not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning him/her or similarly significantly affects him/her, 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 permitted by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, and that law contains suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms 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 data controller, or (2) it is made with the data subject’s explicit consent, VOIKOS shall implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject’s rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, which include at least the right to obtain the data subject’s involvement on the part of the controller, to express his/her point of view and contest the decision.

If the data subject wishes to exercise the rights concerning automated decisions, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

i) The right to revoke consent

Any person affected by the processing of personal data has the right, granted by the European Directive and Regulation Authority, to withdraw consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

If the data subject wishes to exercise the right to withdraw the consent, s/he may, at any time, contact any employee of the controller.

8. Legal basis of data processing

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for our company 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 a party, as is the case, for example, with processing operations that are necessary for the delivery of goods or the provision of another service or consideration, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. The same applies to such processing operations that are necessary for the implementation of pre-contractual measures, for example in cases of inquiries about our products or services. If our company is subject to a legal obligation by which a processing of personal data becomes necessary, such as for the fulfillment of tax obligations, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(c) GDPR. In rare cases, the processing of personal data might become necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or another natural person. This would be the case, for example, if a visitor were to be injured on our premises and, as a result, his/her name, age, health insurance details, or other vital information had to be passed on to a doctor, hospital, or other third party. Then this processing would be based on Article 6(1)(d) GDPR. Finally, processing operations could be based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Processing operations which are not covered by any of the aforementioned legal bases are based on this legal basis if the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our company or a third party, provided that the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject are not overridden. Such processing operations are permitted to us in particular because they were specifically mentioned by the European legislator. In this respect, it took the view that a legitimate interest could be assumed if the data subject is a client of the controller (recital 47, sentence 2 GDPR).

9. Legitimate interests in processing, pursued by the controller or a third party

If the processing of personal data is based on Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, our legitimate interest is the performance of our business activities for the benefit of all our employees and our shareholders.

10. Duration for which the personal data is stored

The criterion for the duration of the storage of personal data is the respective statutory retention period. After expiry of the period, the corresponding data is routinely deleted, provided that it is no longer required for the fulfilment of the contract or the initiation of the contract.

11. Legal or contractual requirements to provide the personal data; necessity for the conclusion of the contract; obligation of the data subject to provide the personal data; possible consequences of not providing the personal data

We would like to inform you that the provision of personal data is partly required by law (e.g. tax regulations) or may also result from contractual regulations (e.g. information on the contractual partner). Sometimes, in order to conclude a contract, it may be necessary for a data subject to provide us with personal data that must subsequently be processed by us. For example, the data subject is obliged to provide us with personal data if our company concludes a contract with him/her. Failure to provide the personal data would mean that the contract with the data subject could not be concluded. Before providing personal data by the data subject, the data subject must contact one of our employees. Our employee will explain to the data subject on a case-by-case basis whether the provision of the personal data is required by law or contract or is necessary for the conclusion of the contract, whether there is an obligation to provide the personal data, and what the consequences of not providing the personal data would be.

12. Automated decision-making

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