Datenschutz

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH attaches great importance to responsible and transparent management of personal data.

We therefore provide you with information below as to

• Who you can contact at GIZ on the subject of data protection
• What data is processed when you visit the website
• What data is processed when users contact us, subscribe to newsletters or press releases or use other GIZ online services
• What options there are for objecting to the storage of the data
• What rights you have with respect to us

Information on the collection of personal data

General

GIZ processes personal data exclusively in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the German Federal Data Protection Act (Bundesdatenschutzgesetz, BDSG).

Personal data is, for example, name, address, email addresses and user behaviour.

GIZ only processes personal data to the extent necessary. Which data is required and processed for which purpose and on what basis is largely determined by the type of service you use or the purpose for which the data is required.

Collection of personal data when visiting our website

When visiting the GIZ website, the browser used automatically transmits data.

GIZ is obliged to store the data beyond the time of the visit in order to ensure protection against attacks on GIZ’s internet infrastructure and federal communications technology (legal basis: Article 6 (1) e GDPR in conjunction with Article 5 of the German Act on the Federal Office for Information Security (BSIG)). In the event of attacks on communications technology, this data is analysed and used to initiate legal and criminal prosecutions.

Data that is logged when accessing the GIZ website is only transferred to third parties if there is a legal obligation to do so or if the transfer is necessary for legal or criminal prosecution in the event of attacks on federal communications technology. Data will not be passed on in any other cases. This data is not merged with other data sources at GIZ.

Logging of personal data

The data automatically transmitted by the browser is stored in a log file. GIZ itself only processes data that is technically necessary to display the website correctly and to ensure stability and security.

The following data is logged in detail:

• IP address of the requesting system (or forwarded IP address when using a proxy)
• Date and time of access
• Resource accessed / URL (e.g. pages, images or other files)
• HTTP method (e.g. GET)
• HTTP protocol version
• HTTP status code (e.g. 200, 404)
• Amount of data transferred (size of the response delivered in bytes)
• Referrer (referring page) – if transmitted by the client
• User agent (client/browser identification) – if transmitted by the client
• Internal technical identifiers (e.g. request ID or service account of the proxy)
• Internal destination address of the service accessed (e.g. internal IP of the web server)
• Server response time (in ms)

The data in the log file is deleted after 30 days.

Cookies

When you visit the GIZ website, small text files known as ‘cookies’ are stored on your computer. They are used to make the online offer more user-friendly and effective overall. Cookies cannot run programs or infect your computer with viruses.

The GIZ website uses cookies that are automatically deleted as soon as the browser on which the page is displayed is closed (referred to as temporary cookies or session cookies). This type of cookie makes it possible to assign various requests from a browser to a session and to recognise the browser when the website is visited again (session ID).

Matomo analytics service (user analysis)

GIZ uses the Matomo web analystics service to analyse usage data on its website. The software runs exclusively on GIZ servers. Users’ personal data is only processed there. The data is not passed on to third parties. 

Every time you visit a page on the GIZ website and every time you download a file, data about the activity is processed. Before it is stored, each data set is anonymised by deletion of the last four digits of the IP address. 

GIZ evaluates usage information for statistical purposes as part of its public relations work and for the needs-based provision of information within the scope of the tasks it performs (legal basis: Article 6 (1) e GDPR in conjunction with Article 3 BDSG). 

Information on opting out 

Users who do not agree with the completely anonymous storage and evaluation of the data from their visit can opt out of the storage and use of the data at any time with a click of the mouse. 

Opt out here

Further information on opting out

For this purpose, what is known as an opt-out cookie is stored on the device, preventing user data from being collected when the user visits the website in question. In order for the opt-out to take effect, the cookie must be stored on every device used. As the cookie is stored in specific browsers (programs for internet access), the cookie must be stored in each browser used on each device (e.g. Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).

Use of CAPTCHA

We use the security tool from captcha.eu to protect our website from misuse by automated programs (bots). This applies in particular to forms, such as the registration forms for our newsletters.

Further information on data processing

When you use a CAPTCHA, the following data is processed: your IP address, information about your browser and device, the page from which the CAPTCHA was accessed, the referrer URL and the date and time of access. The processed data is stored for a maximum of six months. Before the data is stored, it is anonymised by deletion of the last four digits of the IP address.

The purpose of processing the data is solely to protect our systems from attacks and misuse. The legal basis for using this data is to ensure protection against attacks on the internet infrastructure of GIZ and federal communications technology (Article 6 (1) e GDPR).

The CAPTCHA tool is provided by captcha.eu. For more information about how captcha.eu processes data, see the privacy policy at https://www.captcha.eu/legal/.

Captcha GmbH uses the following commissioned data processors to provide its services:

Technical development, support/service, marketing, distribution:
Krone Multimedia GesmbH & Co KG,
Muthgasse 2, 1190 Vienna, Austria

Processing of personal data when contacting us

When users contact us, the data provided is processed so that we can respond to the enquiry. The following contact options are available:

• Email
• Telephone
• Letter
• Contact form
• Microsoft Teams

Contacting us by email

It is possible to contact GIZ via the email addresses provided. In this case, at least the email address but also any other personal user data transmitted with the email (e.g. family and given name, address) as well as the information contained in the email are stored solely for the purpose of contacting the user and processing the enquiry.

The legal basis for the processing of data in connection with email communication is Article 6 (1) e GDPR.

Contacting us by telephone

When contacting us by phone, personal data will be processed to the extent necessary in order to handle the enquiry.

The legal basis for the processing of data in connection with communication by phone is Article 6 (1) e GDPR.

Contacting us by letter

When contacting us by letter, the personal data transmitted (e.g. family and given name, address) and the information contained in the letter is stored for the purpose of establishing contact and processing the enquiry.

The legal basis for the processing of data in connection with communication by letter is Article 6 (1) e GDPR.

Contacting us via a contact form

Contact forms

A form is provided on our website to enable you to contact us electronically. When you use the contact form, we process your title, family and given names, email address and, where appropriate, your postal address and additional personal data provided in the enquiry. Providing the postal address is optional and allows, if desired, a reply to the enquiry by post. The processing is based on consent in accordance with Article 6 (1) a GDPR and for the purpose of processing your enquiry.

By activating the checkbox and submitting the contact form, the user agrees to the transmission and storage of their personal data. It is possible to cancel the process of filling out the contact form at any time. Data is only transmitted if the form is sent.

An SSL-encrypted connection is used to transmit the data to GIZ.

Provision of information

On the GIZ website it is possible to subscribe to a newsletter and to join a press mailing list. Personal data is processed depending on the way in which information is provided.

Newsletters

Personal data is used for the purpose of processing the subscription to each respective newsletter. The data is processed and used exclusively for sending the newsletter. In this case, the data entered in the newsletter registration form is forwarded to us.

After entering their email address, users receive an email containing a link for confirming the authenticity of the address and the subscription (‘double opt-in’). If users do not confirm the registration by clicking on the link contained in the email, the data is deleted immediately.

The legal basis for the processing of data in connection with the dispatch of newsletters is users’ consent in accordance with Article 6 (1) a GDPR.
The newsletter subscription can be cancelled at any time. If the subscription is cancelled, all personal data is deleted from our database.

Other online services

To access other GIZ online services, for example job offers or registering for training courses, it is necessary to enter personal data for further processing. The corresponding data privacy policies for the respective service apply.

Processing of personal data in connection with social network use 

On its website, GIZ invites users to visit its company presence on social networking sites and the LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube platforms.

These online presences are operated in order to interact with the users that are active on these sites and platforms and to inform them about projects and services. By clicking on a social network’s logo, the user is redirected to the GIZ presence on the respective network. 

When users visit the platforms, personal data is collected, used and stored by the operators of the respective social network, but not by GIZ. This is also the case even if the users themselves do not have an account with the respective social network.

The individual data processing operations and their scope differ depending on the operator of the respective social network. GIZ has no influence on the collection of data or its further use by the social network operators. We are not fully aware of the extent to which, where and for how long the data is stored; to what extent the networks comply with existing obligations regarding erasure; what analyses are conducted and links established with the data; and to whom the data is disclosed. 
Access to GIZ social media sites is subject to the terms of use and privacy policies of the respective operators. Click here for the contact details and links to the data privacy policies of the social media on which GIZ maintains a presence. 

GIZ on social media 

• The privacy policy for the social network LinkedIn, operated by LinkedIn Corporation, 2029 Stierlin Court Mountain View, CA 94043, USA, can be found at https://de.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy?trk=%7Berror-page%7D-privacy-policy einsehen.
• The privacy policy for the social network Bluesky can be found a https://bsky.social/about/support/privacy-policy.
• The privacy policy for the social network YouTube, operated by Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland, can be found at https://www.gstatic.com/policies/privacy/pdf/20190122/f3294e95/google_privacy_policy_de_eu.pdf.

Disclosure to third parties

GIZ does not pass on personal data to third parties unless it is legally obliged or entitled to do so by law. 

Transfer of data outside Germany

GIZ does not transfer personal data to third countries. When using social media, the privacy policies of the respective providers apply.

Duration of data retention

User data will not be kept any longer than is necessary for the purpose for which it is processed or as required by law.

IT security of user data

GIZ accords great importance to protecting personal data. For this reason, technical and organisational security measures ensure that data is protected against accidental and intentional manipulation and unintended erasure as well as unauthorised access. These measures are updated based on technical developments and adapted continuously in line with the risks.

Notice about user rights

As a visitor to the GIZ website, you have the right

• To obtain information about your data stored by us (Article 15 GDPR)
• To have your data stored by us rectified (Article 16 GDPR)
• To have your data stored by us erased (Article 17 GDPR)
• To obtain restriction of processing of your data stored by us (Article 18 GDPR)
• To object to the storage of your data if it is processed on the basis of Article 6 (1) e and f GDPR (Article 21 GDPR)
• To receive data concerning you in a commonly used and machine-readable format from the controller such that it can be potentially transmitted to another controller (right to data portability, Article 20 GDPR)
• To withdraw your consent to the extent that the data has been processed on the basis of consent (Article 6 (1) a GDPR). The lawfulness of the processing on the basis of the consent given remains unaffected until receipt of the withdrawal.
• In accordance with Article 77 GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent data protection supervisory authority. The competent authority for GIZ is the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (BfDI).

If you have any questions about the processing of your personal data, you can contact GIZ’s Data Protection Officer at datenschutzbeauftragte@giz.de.

CANCELLATION OF DATA STORAGE

You may at any time lodge an objection to the storage of your anonymously collected visitor data, so that these will no longer be collected in future.  Withdraw consent here

Data controller and data protection officer

Please contact GIZ’s data protection officer if you have specific questions about how your data is protected: 
datenschutzbeauftragte@giz.de

Address

Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn, Germany
Dag-Hammarskjöld-Weg 1–5, 65760 Eschborn, Germany
info@giz.de

The data controller for processing purposes is the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.