Privacy policy

In the following, we provide information on the processing of personal data when using the website www.tp4.rub.de. Personal data is all data that can be related to you personally. Other conditions may apply on other pages of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Name and address of the person responsible

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 regulations:

Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Theoretical Physics IV
University Road 150
44801 BochumGermany

Phone: +49 234 32 26710

E-Mail:
Website: www.tp4.ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Name and address of the data protection officer

Ruhr University Bochum
Dr Kai-Uwe Loser
University Road 150
44780 Bochum

Phone: +49 234 32 28720

E-Mail:
Website: https://dsb.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/

General information on data processing

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

We collect and use our users‘ personal data only to the extent necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. The collection and use of our users‘ personal data only takes place regularly with the user’s consent. An exception applies in cases where it is not possible to obtain prior consent for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

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

Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of our tasks, which are in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e GDPR serves as the legal basis.

3. Data erasure and storage duration

The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage 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 controller is subject. The data will also be blocked or erased if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a need for further storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfilment of a contract.

Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed and each time a file from the RUB website is retrieved, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.

The following data is collected:

Information about the browser type and version used
The user’s operating system
The user’s internet service provider
The IP address of the user
Date and time of access
Websites from which the user’s system accesses our website
Websites that are accessed by the user’s system via our website

The 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. Purpose of data processing and legal basis

Temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable delivery of the website to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the user’s IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimise the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not analysed for marketing purposes in this context.

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e GDPR.

3. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the collection of data for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.

If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after 24 hours at the latest. Data may be stored for longer than this. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or anonymised so that it is no longer possible to identify the accessing client.

4. Possibility of objection and removal

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, the user has no option to object.

Use of cookies

1. Description and scope of data processing

Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user’s computer system. When a user accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is called up again.

We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require that the accessing browser can be identified even after a page change.

The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

Preferred font size
Preferred contrast version
Preferred language
Logged into the system (only for editorial/administration)
Expiry date

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of the user’s surfing behaviour (see next section)

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymised by technical precautions. It is therefore no longer possible to assign the data to the accessing user. The data is not stored together with other personal user data.

When accessing our website, users are informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes by an information banner and referred to this privacy policy. In this context, there is also a reference to how the storage of cookies can be prevented in the browser settings.

2. Purpose of data processing and legal basis

The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary for the browser to be recognised even after a page change.

The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.

Analysis cookies are used for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its content. Through the analysis cookies, we learn how the website is used and can thus constantly optimise our offer.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e GDPR.

3. Duration of storage, objection and removal options

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted by it to our website. As a user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your Internet browser. Cookies that have already been saved 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 use all the functions of the website to their full extent.

4. Cookie Banner

We use the „Real Cookie Banner“ consent tool to manage the cookies and similar technologies used (tracking pixels, web beacons, etc.) and related consents. Details on how „Real Cookie Banner“ works can be found at https://devowl.io/de/rcb/datenverarbeitung/.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data in this context is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR and Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. Our legitimate interest is the management of the cookies and similar technologies used and the related consents.

The provision of personal data is neither contractually required nor necessary for the conclusion of a contract. You are not obliged to provide the personal data. If you do not provide the personal data, we will not be able to manage your consent.

Contact form and e-mail contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

Contact forms are available on our website which can be used to contact us electronically. Our contact forms were created with the Contact Form 7 plugin. The plugin is only used to forward entered form data to the recipient’s email address. No additional storage, e.g. in the WordPress database, takes place. Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Contact Form can be found at https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/contact-form-7/

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

Alternatively, you can contact us via the email address provided. In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the e-mail will be stored.

The data will not be passed on to third parties in this context. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2. Purpose of data processing and legal basis

The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. If contact is made by email, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.

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

The legal basis for the processing of the data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given consent. The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e GDPR.

3. Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data from the input screen of the contact form and those 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.

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

4. Possibility of objection and removal

The user has the option to revoke their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.

All personal data stored in the course of contacting us will be deleted in this case.

Use of YouTube videos

On our website, we offer users the opportunity to watch selected videos from YouTube directly on the site. To protect user data, a connection to YouTube is first established by clicking on a link and the video is started. Only then will data be sent to the provider. If you do not click on the link, there will be no exchange between the user and YouTube. Information about the collection and use of your data by YouTube can be found here: https://policies.google.com/privacy

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 controller:

Right to information

You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.

If such processing is taking place, you can request information from the controller about the following data that is actually being processed and, in addition, about

The purposes for which the personal data is processed;
the categories of personal data that are processed
the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed
the envisaged period for which the personal data concerning you will be stored, or, if specific information on this is not possible, the criteria used to determine that period
the existence of a right to rectification or erasure of personal data concerning you, a right to restriction of processing by the controller 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 is not collected from the data subject.

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

Right to rectification

You have a right to rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the processed personal data concerning you is incorrect or incomplete. The controller must make the correction without delay.

Right to restriction of processing

You may request the restriction of the processing of your personal data under the following conditions:

if you contest the accuracy of the personal data concerning you for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead;
the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but they are required by you for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims, or
if you have objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR pending the verification whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override your grounds.

If the processing of personal data concerning you has been restricted, this data – apart from its storage – may only be processed with your 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.

If the restriction of processing has been restricted in accordance with the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.

Right to erasure

You have the right to obtain from the controller the erasure of personal data concerning you without undue delay and the controller shall have the obligation to erase personal data without undue delay where one of the following grounds applies:

The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
You revoke your consent on which the processing was based pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR and there is no other legal basis for the processing
You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 2 GDPR.
The personal data concerning you has been processed unlawfully.
The deletion of personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Article 8(1) GDPR.

Information to third parties

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

Exceptions

The right to erasure does not exist if the processing is necessary

for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information
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
for reasons of public interest in the area of public health in accordance with Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h and i and Art. 9 para. 3 GDPR
for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89 para. 1 GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing, or
for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Notification obligation in the event of correction or deletion

If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to notify all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been disclosed of this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing, unless this proves impossible or involves a disproportionate effort.

You have the right vis-à-vis the controller to be informed about these recipients.

Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data has been provided, where

the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR and
the processing is carried out by automated means.

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. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be affected by this.

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 controller.

Right of objection

You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on point (e) or (f) of Article 6(1) GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions.

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

If the personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.

If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

You have the option, in connection with the use of information society services – notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC – to exercise your right to object by means of automated procedures that use technical specifications.

Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You have the right to withdraw your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

Automated decision in individual cases including profiling

Does not take place.

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 habitual residence, place of work or place of the alleged infringement if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the 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 Art. 78 GDPR.

The supervisory authority responsible for RUB is the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (NRW).

August 2024