Seal element of the university of freiburg in the shape of a flower

Privacy policy

Version 14 – 10.06.2024

I. Name and address of the responsible persons

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection provisions is:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Friedrichstraße 39
79098 Freiburg
++49 (0)761/203-0
info@uni-freiburg.de

II. Name and address of the data protection officer

The data protection officer of the responsible party is:

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
Der Datenschutzbeauftragte
Fahnenbergplatz
79085 Freiburg
datenschutzbeauftragter@uni-freiburg.de

III. Scope of this declaration

The following information on data protection refers to the central website of the University of Freiburg (https://uni-freiburg.de). Please note the separate information in the data protection declarations on the websites of the facilities, faculties and institutes of the University of Freiburg.

IV. General information on data processing

1. Scope of processing of personal data

We generally only process our users’ personal data to the extent that this is necessary to provide functional websites and our content and services.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

If we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing personal data, Art. 6 (1) (a) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.

If the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of a task that is in the public interest or is carried out in the exercise of official authority, Art. 6 (1) (e) and (3) GDPR in conjunction with the task-assigning norms of Union or national law serve as the legal basis.

If the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of the University of Freiburg or a third party and the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

3. Data deletion and storage period

The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose for which they were stored no longer applies. Data may also be stored if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other provisions to which the University of Freiburg is subject. Data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires.

V. Provision of websites and creation of Logfiles

1. Description and scope of data
processing

Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically records data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

  • The IP address of the accessing computer
  • Date and time of access
  • Name, URL and amount of data transferred of the requested website or file
  • Access status (requested file transferred, not found, etc.)
  • Information about the browser type, version used and operating system of the accessing computer (if transmitted by the requesting web browser)
  • Website from which the user accessed our website (if transmitted by the requesting web browser)

The data is also stored in the log files of our system. The IP address is anonymized after the end of the usage process before being stored in the log files. 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 is Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

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

The data is stored in the log files to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, the data is used for technical optimization, to record the number of hits and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. If the data is collected to provide the websites, this is the case when the respective session has ended. If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after two weeks. Storage beyond this period is only possible if there is concrete suspicion of attacks on our website and for error analysis.

5. Possibility of objection

The collection of data to provide the websites and the temporary storage of data in log files is essential for the operation of the website. Consequently, the user has no option to object.

VI. Use of cookies

1.  General information on the use of cookies

Our websites use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user visits a website, a cookie can be stored on the user’s operating system. A cookie can, for example, contain a characteristic character string that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is accessed again.

We use cookies to ensure the proper functioning of the website, to improve the accessibility, navigation and presentation of our website and to integrate media from our video portal.

The following types of cookies are used on our websites:

Technically required cookies when using the websites (we need these for the correct display of the websites and the integration of media from our video portal)

Technically required cookies to manage consents (e.g. consent to use the integrated Google search)

Cookies from external service providers when using applications embedded on our websites, such as the integrated Google search, after personal consent (these are cookies that are stored directly on the user’s system by the external service providers when the application is used, without the University of Freiburg having any influence on this)

With the exception of technically required cookies, the other cookies are only activated with express consent. This consent can be revoked at any time. If technically required cookies are blocked or deleted via browser settings, some functions of our website may only be available to a limited extent.

2.  Technically necessary cookies when using the websites

2.1 Description and scope of data processing

We use cookies to make our websites functional. Some elements of our website require that the browser that accesses the website can be recognized after a page change.

The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies listed here:

OriginNamePurposeValidity
uni-freiburg.deserveridLoad balancer assignmentUntil the end of browser session
videoportal.uni-freiburg.deframeworkSession-ID, Timestamp,
Videoplayer
7 Days
Table 1: Overview of technically required cookies

2.2  Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for data processing using the technically necessary cookies listed under VI. 2.1 within the meaning of Section 25 Paragraph 2 No. 2 TDDDG is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f of GDPR.

2.3 Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to enable users to use the website. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary that the browser is recognized after a page change.

We need cookies for the following applications:

Load balancer (to distribute the load of calls across multiple servers)

Integrating media from the video portal (session ID and time stamp of video player status)

These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

2.4 Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

The storage period of cookies can be found in Table 1 under VI. 2.1

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from there to our website. Therefore, you as the user have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your Internet browser, you can deactivate or restrict the storage of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to fully use all of the website’s functions.

3. Technically required cookies to manage consent

3.1 Description and scope of data processing

We have individual offers on our website for the use of which we require your consent (e.g. Google search). If you consent, you will have the option of saving your consent permanently. To do this, we will ask for your one-time or permanent consent before you use a corresponding website for the first time.

If you give your permanent consent, the following data will be saved and transmitted in the cookies listed here:

OriginNamePurposeValidity
uni-freiburg.deunifreiburg_allow_google_searchOpt-in-Cookie Google-Search1 Year
Table 2: Cookies for managing consent

3.2 Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for data processing using the technically necessary cookies listed under VI. 3.1 within the meaning of Section 25 Paragraph 2 No. 2 TDDDG is Art. 6 Paragraph 1 Letter f of GDPR.

3.3 Purpose of data processing

The purpose of using cookies to manage consent is to permanently store the consent so that consent does not have to be obtained again when the page is accessed in the future, as well as to provide evidence of the consent given.

Our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR also lies in the evidence of the consent given.

3.4 Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

The storage period of cookies can be found in Table 2 under VI. 3.1

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from there to our site. Therefore, as a user, you have full control over the use of cookies. You can revoke your consent at any time by deleting the corresponding cookie in your browser or system.

4. Cookies from external service providers when using applications embedded on our websites after personal consent

4.1 Google-Search

On our website we offer you the option of a comprehensive search in all university portals using Google’s Programmable Search Engine (see X.1. Google Search). If you give your consent, Google will store cookies on your system. Information on data protection and the cookies used by Google can be found in Google’s privacy policy [https://policies.google.com].

VII. Contact form and email contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

There is a contact form on our website that can be used to contact us electronically. If a user takes advantage of this option, the data entered in the input mask will be sent to us and stored. This data is:

  • Name
  • Email Address
  • Message Content

At the time the message is sent, the following data is also stored:

(1) Date and time of sending

Your consent to the processing of the data is obtained during the sending process and reference is made to this privacy policy.

Alternatively, you can contact us using the email address provided. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the email will be saved.

The data will not be passed on to third parties in this context. The data will only be used to process the conversation.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for processing the data via the contact form is your consent in accordance with Art. 6 (1) lit. a GDPR.

The legal basis for processing the data transmitted when sending an email is Art. 6 (1) lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. In the case of contact via email, this also represents the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.

The other personal data processed during the sending process serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

4. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input mask of the contact form and those that were sent by email, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the matter in question has been conclusively clarified and no further queries are to be expected. The data is therefore deleted at the end of the year following its receipt.

The additional personal data collected during the sending process will be deleted after a period of seven days at the latest.

5.  Possibility of objection and removal

The user has the option to revoke his/her consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by email, he/she can object to the storage of his/her personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued. In this case, all personal data that was stored in the course of contact will be deleted.

VIII.  Web analysis by Matomo

1.  Description and scope of processing of personal data

Matomo is used on our website to analyze the usage behavior of our visitors.

Matomo is set up so that the IP address is not stored in full (masking two bytes of the IP address). In this way, it is no longer possible to assign the shortened IP address to the accessing computer.

If individual web pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:

  • Two bytes of the IP address of the user’s computer
  • The URL of the website accessed
  • The website from which the user accessed the website accessed (referrer)
  • The subpages accessed from the website accessed
  • The length of time spent on the website
  • The frequency of access to the website
  • The device type used, the operating system, the browser type, the browser version, the screen resolution and the language setting

Matomo is also set up in such a way that no cookies are set to analyze user behavior.

The data collected by Matomo is stored exclusively on servers of the University of Freiburg. The stored data is not passed on to third parties. This data is not merged with any other stored data, such as that which arises when using other services in connection with the provision of personal data.

2.  Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users’ personal data is Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

3.  Purpose of data processing

By analyzing the usage behavior of our visitors, we are able to compile information about the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to continuously improve our website and its user-friendliness.

This is also our legitimate interest in processing the data in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (f) GDPR.

By anonymizing the IP address and avoiding cookies, the users’ interest in protecting their personal data is adequately taken into account.

4.  Duration of storage

In order to be able to analyse the temporal progression and development of usage behaviour, the data is usually stored for two years and then automatically deleted.

IX.  Video portal of the University of Freiburg (VIMP)

On our website, videos from the University of Freiburg’s video portal are integrated into individual web pages in order to offer you media-friendly information. When you visit a website with video integration, technically necessary cookies are set. You can find more information about the cookies used under VI. 2. “Technically necessary cookies when using the websites”.

X.  Collection and processing of personal data when integrating external services after consent

To better convey information and make our content easier to find, we integrate third-party services on our website. Below you will find an overview of the services used.

1.  Google-Search

1.1  Access to Google Search

On our website we offer you the option of a comprehensive search across all university portals using Google’s Programmable Search Engine. This search function can be accessed on the internal search results page via the “Search across all university portals” tab.

1.2  Declaration of consent

After clicking on the tab, you will receive a selection dialog with information on data protection and the option to consent to the search once or permanently (valid for 1 year). If consent is granted once, users must consent again the next time they visit the site. In the case of permanent consent, we store a cookie on your system so that we do not have to obtain your consent again for future searches. For more information about the cookie used, see Section VI. 3. “Technically required cookies for managing consent”.

1.3  Data exchange with Google

When consent is given, the previously entered search term is passed on to a Google script, which then returns the results found. The script developed by Google (Google Programmable Search Engine) is integrated unchanged into the search results page by the University of Freiburg. The script enables automated communication (data exchange) with dynamic transfer of data between the page accessed and the Google service.

1.4  Google’s privacy policy and privacy statement

By agreeing to use Google Search, you agree to the transfer of data to the Google service. This includes the search term you entered and, if applicable, other search parameters. In addition, Google has the option of collecting additional personal data through the integrated script call, such as the IP address of the computer you are using. Please note that Google has different data protection guidelines than the University of Freiburg websites. We would therefore like to expressly point out that responsibility for the processing, storage, deletion and use of any personal data transferred and additionally collected lies solely with Google and that the University of Freiburg has no influence on the type and scope of the data collected or on its further processing.

Information about data protection and the cookies used by Google can be found in Google’s privacy policy [https://policies.google.com].

XI.  Social media privacy
policies

To supplement its existing communication channels such as the website, press releases, newsletters, print products and events, the University of Freiburg also uses various social media platforms for current reporting on university topics, events, news from science, research and teaching, service offers, student jobs and other interesting information about the campus. Since the responsibility for the editorial support of the offers remains with the University of Freiburg, we have published our own data protection statements for the following external services:

XII.  Rights of the data subject

If your personal data is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR and you have the following rights vis-à-vis the University of Freiburg:

1.  Right to information

You can request confirmation from the University of Freiburg as to whether your personal data is being processed.

If such processing takes place, you can request information from the University of Freiburg about the following:

the purposes for which the personal data are processed,

the categories of personal data that are processed,

the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed,

the planned duration of storage of the personal data or, if specific information is not possible, criteria for determining the storage period,

the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of the personal data, a right to restriction of processing by the University of Freiburg or a right to object to such processing,

the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority,

all available information about the origin of the data if the personal data are not collected from the data subject,

the existence of automated decision-making including profiling in accordance with Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and – at least in these cases – meaningful information about the logic involved as well as the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject.

You have the right to request information as to whether personal data is transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you can request to be informed of the appropriate guarantees in accordance with Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.

2.  Right to rectification

You have the right to request rectification and/or completion by the University of Freiburg if the personal data concerning you that are processed are incorrect or incomplete. The University of Freiburg must carry out the rectification immediately.

3.  Right to restriction of processing

You can request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:

  • if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you, for a period that enables the University of Freiburg to verify the accuracy of the personal data,
  • the processing is unlawful and you refuse to delete the personal data and instead request that the use of the personal data be restricted,
  • the University of Freiburg no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you require it to assert, exercise or defend legal claims, or
  • if you have objected to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 Para. 1 GDPR and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate reasons of the University of Freiburg outweigh your reasons.

If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, these data – apart from their storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims or to protect the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or a Member State.

If the restriction of processing has been obtained in accordance with the above-mentioned requirements, you will be informed by the University of Freiburg before the restriction is lifted.

4.  Right to erasure

4.1  Obligation to delete

You can request that the University of Freiburg delete the personal data concerning you immediately, and the University of Freiburg is obliged to delete this data immediately if one of the following reasons applies:

  • The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
  • You withdraw your consent on which the processing is based in accordance with Art. 6 (1)(a) or Art. 9 (2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
  • You object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate reasons for the processing, or you object to the processing in accordance with Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
  • The personal data concerning you have been processed unlawfully.
  • The deletion of the personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the University of Freiburg is subject.
  • The personal data concerning you were collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 (1) GDPR.

4.2  Information to third parties

If the University of Freiburg has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Art. 17 Para. 1 GDPR, the University of Freiburg shall take appropriate measures, including technical ones, taking into account the available technology and the implementation costs, in order to inform data controllers which process the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested the erasure by the University of Freiburg of all links to these personal data or of copies or replications of these personal data.

4.3  Exceptions

The right to erasure does not exist if processing is necessary

  • to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information,
  • to fulfil a legal obligation which requires processing under Union or Member State law to which the University of Freiburg is subject, or to carry out a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the University of Freiburg,
  • for reasons of public interest in the area of ​​public health pursuant to Art. 9 (2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9 (3) GDPR,
  • for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or for statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in Section 4.1 is likely to make the realisation of the objectives of this processing impossible or seriously compromises it, or
  • to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

5.  Right to information

If you have asserted your right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing vis-à-vis the University of Freiburg, the University of Freiburg is obliged to inform all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you was disclosed of said rectification, erasure or restriction of processing, unless doing so should prove impossible or involve disproportionate expenditure.

You have the right to be informed by the University of Freiburg about these recipients.

6.  Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have made available to the University of Freiburg in a structured, common and machine-readable format. In addition, you have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the University of Freiburg to which the personal data was made available, provided that

  • the processing is based on consent in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (a) GDPR or Art. 9 (2) (a) GDPR or on a contract in accordance with Art. 6 (1) (b) GDPR and
  • the processing is carried out using automated procedures.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. This must not affect the freedoms and rights of other persons.

The right to data portability does not apply to the processing of personal data necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the University of Freiburg.

7.  Right of objection

You have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out on the basis of Art. 6 (1) (e) or (f) GDPR, for reasons arising from your particular situation.

The University of Freiburg will no longer process the personal data concerning you unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which outweigh your interests, rights and freedoms, or unless the processing serves to assert, exercise or defend legal claims.

In connection with the use of information society services, you have the option of exercising your right of objection by means of automated procedures that use technical specifications, regardless of Directive 2002/58/EC.

8.  Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You have the right to revoke your consent to data protection at any time. The revocation of the consent does not affect the legality of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent until the revocation.

9.  Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority with which the complaint was submitted shall inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Art. 78 GDPR.