Privacy Policy

1. Data Privacy at a Glance

General Information

The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to personal data when this website is visited. Personal data is any data by which a person can be individually identified. Detailed information on the subject of data privacy can be found in the privacy policy listed below this text.

Data Collection on This Website

Who is responsible for data collection on this website? Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. Contact details can be found in the legal notice (Impressum) of this website. How is data collected? Some data is collected when it is provided directly, for example by entering information into a contact form. Other data is collected automatically by the IT systems when the website is visited. This includes primarily technical data (e.g., internet browser, operating system, or time of page access). This data is collected automatically as soon as the website is accessed. What is the data used for? Some of the data is collected to ensure the website is provided without errors. Other data may be used to analyze user behavior. What rights are available regarding personal data? There is always the right to receive, free of charge, information about the origin, recipients, and purpose of stored personal data. There is also the right to request correction, blocking, or deletion of this data. For this and any other questions on the subject of data privacy, contact can be made at any time using the address provided in the legal notice. Furthermore, a right of complaint with the competent supervisory authority exists.

Analytics Tools and Third-Party Tools

When this website is visited, browsing behavior may be statistically analyzed. This is done primarily through cookies and so-called analytics programs. Browsing behavior is generally analyzed anonymously and cannot be traced back to any individual. It is possible to object to this analysis or to prevent it by not using certain tools. Detailed information can be found in the privacy policy below. This analysis may be objected to. Information about the available options for doing so is provided in this privacy policy.

2. General Information and Mandatory Disclosures

Data Privacy

The operators of this website take the protection of personal data very seriously. Personal data is treated confidentially and in accordance with statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy. When this website is used, various personal data is collected. Personal data is data by which a person can be individually identified. This privacy policy explains what data is collected and what it is used for. It also explains how and for what purpose this takes place. Please note that data transmission over the internet (e.g., when communicating by email) may be subject to security vulnerabilities. Complete protection of data from access by third parties is not possible.

Notice Regarding the Responsible Party

The responsible party for data processing on this website is: Bastian Glumm Frankenstr. 86 42653 Solingen Phone: 0212 – 725 88646 Email: bastian.glumm@solingenmagazin.de The responsible party is the natural or legal person who, alone or jointly with others, decides on the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g., names, email addresses, etc.).

Withdrawal of Consent to Data Processing

Many data processing operations are only possible with explicit consent. Consent already given may be withdrawn at any time. An informal notification by email is sufficient for this purpose. The lawfulness of the data processing carried out prior to the withdrawal remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

Right to Complain to the Competent Supervisory Authority

In the event of violations of data protection law, the person affected has the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority. The competent supervisory authority for data protection matters is the data protection commissioner of the federal state in which the company is headquartered. A list of data protection commissioners and their contact details can be found at the following link: https://www.bfdi.bund.de/DE/Infothek/Anschriften_Links/anschriften_links-node.html.

Right to Data Portability

There is the right to have data that is processed automatically on the basis of consent or in fulfillment of a contract handed over in a commonly used, machine-readable format, either to oneself or to a third party. If direct transfer of the data to another responsible party is requested, this will only be done to the extent that it is technically feasible.

SSL and TLS Encryption

For security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, such as orders or inquiries submitted to the website operator, this site uses SSL or TLS encryption. An encrypted connection can be recognized by the fact that the browser address bar changes from "http://" to "https://" and by the lock icon in the browser bar. When SSL or TLS encryption is enabled, data transmitted cannot be read by third parties.

Access, Blocking, Deletion

Within the framework of applicable legal provisions, there is always the right to receive, free of charge, information about stored personal data, its origin and recipients, and the purpose of data processing, as well as, where applicable, the right to correction, blocking, or deletion of such data. For this and any other questions regarding personal data, contact can be made at any time using the address provided in the legal notice.

3. Data Collection on This Website

Cookies

This website uses what are known as cookies in some areas. Cookies do not cause any harm to a device and do not contain viruses. They serve to make the offering more user-friendly, more effective, and more secure. Cookies are small text files that are stored on a device and saved by the browser. Most of the cookies used are so-called "session cookies." They are automatically deleted after the visit ends. Other cookies remain stored on the device until they are deleted. These cookies make it possible to recognize the browser on the next visit. The browser can be configured to provide notification when cookies are set and to allow cookies only in individual cases, to exclude the acceptance of cookies for certain cases or in general, and to activate the automatic deletion of cookies when the browser is closed. If cookies are disabled, the functionality of this website may be limited. Cookies that are required to carry out the electronic communication process or to provide certain functions that have been requested (e.g., shopping cart functionality) are stored on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in storing cookies for the technically error-free and optimized provision of its services. Where other cookies (e.g., cookies for analyzing browsing behavior) are stored, they are addressed separately in this privacy policy.

Server Log Files

The provider of this website automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which the browser transmits automatically. These include:

• Browser type and browser version
• Operating system used
• Referrer URL
• Hostname of the accessing device
• Time of the server request
• IP address

This data is not merged with other data sources. The legal basis for data processing is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, which permits the processing of data for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures.

Comment Function on This Website

When using the comment function on this site, in addition to the comment itself, the time of its creation, the email address, and, if posting is not done anonymously, the chosen username are also stored. Storage of IP Addresses The comment function stores the IP addresses of users who post comments. Since comments are not reviewed before being activated on this site, this data is needed in order to take action against the author in the event of legal violations such as defamatory content or incitement. Retention Period for Comments Comments and the associated data (e.g., IP address) are stored and remain on this website until the commented content has been completely deleted or the comments must be deleted for legal reasons (e.g., offensive comments). Legal Basis Comments are stored on the basis of consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). Consent given may be withdrawn at any time. An informal notification by email is sufficient. The lawfulness of data processing operations already carried out remains unaffected by the withdrawal.

4. Analytics Tools and Advertising

Google AdSense (non-personalized)

This website uses Google AdSense, a service for displaying advertisements. The provider is Google Ireland Limited ("Google"), Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.

Google AdSense is used in "non-personalized" mode. Unlike personalized mode, the advertisements displayed are therefore not based on prior user behavior, and no user profile is created. Instead, so-called "contextual information" is used when selecting ads. The ads displayed are selected based on factors such as location, the content of the website being visited, or current search terms. More information about the differences between personalized and non-personalized targeting with Google AdSense can be found at: https://support.google.com/adsense/answer/9007336.

Please note that cookies may also be stored when Google AdSense is used in non-personalized mode. According to Google, these are used to combat fraud and abuse. The cookies remain on the device until they are deleted.

The use of Google AdSense in non-personalized mode is based on Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. There is a legitimate interest in analyzing user behavior in order to optimize both the web offering and advertising.

Google holds certification under the "EU-US Privacy Shield." The Privacy Shield is an agreement between the European Union and the United States intended to ensure compliance with European data protection standards for data processing in the US. Every company certified under the Privacy Shield commits to complying with these data protection standards.

Ad settings can be adjusted independently in the user account. To do so, follow this link and sign in: https://adssettings.google.com/authenticated.

Further information on Google's advertising technologies can be found here:
https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy/.

Google Analytics

This website uses features of the web analytics service Google Analytics. The provider is Google Inc., 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. Google Analytics uses what are known as "cookies." These are text files stored on the device that enable analysis of how the website is used. The information generated by the cookie about the use of this website is generally transmitted to a Google server in the USA and stored there. Google Analytics cookies are stored on the basis of Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The website operator has a legitimate interest in analyzing user behavior in order to optimize both the web offering and advertising. IP Anonymization The IP anonymization feature has been activated on this website. As a result, the IP address is shortened by Google within member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area before being transmitted to the USA. Only in exceptional cases will the full IP address be transmitted to a Google server in the USA and shortened there. On behalf of the operator of this website, Google will use this information to evaluate use of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to provide other services related to website usage and internet usage to the website operator. The IP address transmitted by the browser as part of Google Analytics will not be merged with other data held by Google. Browser Plugin Storage of cookies can be prevented by configuring the browser software accordingly; however, please note that in this case it may not be possible to use all features of this website to their full extent. It is also possible to prevent the collection of data generated by the cookie and related to use of the website (including the IP address) by Google, as well as the processing of such data by Google, by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at the following link: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout?hl=de. Opting Out of Data Collection Data collection by Google Analytics can be prevented by clicking the following link. An opt-out cookie will be set that prevents the collection of data during future visits to this website: Disable Google Analytics . More information on how Google Analytics handles user data can be found in Google's privacy policy: https://support.google.com/analytics/answer/6004245?hl=de. Data Processing Agreement A data processing agreement has been concluded with Google, and the strict requirements of the German data protection authorities are fully implemented when using Google Analytics.

Newsletter

A newsletter subscription is available. The newsletter provides regular updates on current articles, tips, and news about life in Italy.

Double Opt-In Procedure

Newsletter registration is carried out using what is known as the double opt-in procedure. After signing up, a confirmation email containing a confirmation link is sent. The registration only becomes effective once that link is clicked.

Data Processed

Only an email address is required for registration. In addition, the time of registration and confirmation is stored as proof of consent. The data is used exclusively for sending the newsletter and is not shared with third parties.

Delivery Service Provider: MailerSend

Emails are sent via MailerSend SIA, Perkonu iela 2, LV-3101 Tukums, Latvia (EU). A data processing agreement (DPA) pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR has been concluded with MailerSend. Further information: https://www.mailersend.com/legal/privacy-policy

Legal Basis

Processing is carried out on the basis of consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR. Consent may be withdrawn at any time by using the unsubscribe link in any email.

Unsubscribing and Data Deletion

Upon unsubscribing, all data will be completely deleted from the system. Deletion may also be requested at any time by email at info@vivereinitalien.de.

Web Analytics with Matomo (self-hosted)

This website uses Matomo, an open-source software for analyzing user behavior. Matomo is operated on its own servers within the European Union (matomo.omedas.de). Collected data is not shared with third parties.

Matomo collects information about website usage exclusively in anonymized form. This includes:

• Pages visited and time of access
• Referring page (referrer)
• Browser used and device type
• Approximate region (derived from the anonymized IP address)

The IP address is truncated by the last two octets before storage (masking) and can therefore no longer be traced back to any individual. No cookies are set for recognition purposes, and cross-site tracking of individual visitors does not take place. The "Do Not Track" signal sent by the browser is respected.

Analysis only takes place after explicit consent is given via the cookie consent banner (category "Statistics"). Before consent is granted, the Matomo tracking code is not loaded and no data is transmitted to the analytics server. Consent may be withdrawn at any time with effect for the future by adjusting cookie settings.

The legal basis for processing is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent). Raw data collected is automatically deleted after no more than 14 months.

Further information on data privacy in Matomo can be found at: https://matomo.org/privacy-policy/

Newsletter

To receive the newsletter, an email address is required. Registration is carried out using the double opt-in procedure: after entering the address, a confirmation email is sent containing a link that must be clicked. As proof of consent, the time of registration and confirmation, as well as the IP address used, are stored. The legal basis is consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). The newsletter can be unsubscribed from at any time via the unsubscribe link in any email, after which the data will be deleted. Registrations that are not confirmed within 7 days are automatically deleted. The service provider MailerSend is used for delivery, with whom a data processing agreement pursuant to Art. 28 GDPR has been concluded.

Web Analytics with Matomo

This website uses the analytics service Matomo. The Matomo instance (matomo.omedas.de) is operated by AWEOS GmbH, which acts as a data processor on the basis of a data processing agreement (Art. 28 GDPR); data is not shared with any other third parties. Matomo is only loaded after consent is given via the cookie consent banner (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR). The IP address is truncated and anonymized before storage, no cookies are set (cookieless tracking), and the "Do Not Track" setting in the browser is respected. Consent may be withdrawn at any time via the cookie settings.