Compliance with data protection is a top priority for the LVR. Therefore, compliance with data protection regulations is a matter of course for us. If you use the LVR website, the LVR will only process your data in accordance with the relevant requirements of the supervisory authorities and within the framework of the statutory provisions. The relevant provisions are contained in the Telemedia Act and the Data Protection Act of North Rhine-Westphalia as well as the European General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR).

I. Name and address of the controller

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 is the:

Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR)
Kennedy-Ufer 2
50679 Cologne
Switchboard: 0221 809-0
Fax: 0221 809-2200
E-Mail: post@lvr.de

Responsible for data processing

LVR Department for Digitalization, IT Management, Mobility and Technical Innovation

II. Name and address of the data protection officer

LVR Data Protection Officer
Barbara Lenzen
LVR staff unit for data protection and media law
50663 Cologne
Phone: 0221-809 2287
E-Mail: datenschutzbeauftragter@lvr.de

III. General information on data processing

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

We only process our users' personal data insofar as this is necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. The processing of our users' personal data only takes place regularly with the user's consent. An exception applies in cases where prior consent cannot be obtained 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. When processing personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures. Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis. In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. d GDPR serves as the legal basis. If the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.

3. Data deletion 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 fulfillment of a contract.

IV. Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. Description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed, 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 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. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

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 optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not analyzed for marketing purposes in this context. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. 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. 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 seven days at the latest. Storage beyond this period is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or anonymized so that it is no longer possible to identify the accessing client.

5. 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.

V. 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:

• Language settings
• Cookie banner / Matomo banner

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of the user's surfing behavior. The following data can be transmitted in this way:
a) Random unique Visitor ID (random visitor ID)

b) Time of the first visit for this user (time of the first visit of this user)

c) Time of the previous visit for this user (time of previous visits by the user)

d) Number of visits for this user (number of visits by the user)

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymized 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 data of the user. When accessing our website, the user is informed about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and their consent to the processing of the personal data used in this context is obtained. In this context, reference is also made to this privacy policy.

2. Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using technically necessary cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies for analysis purposes is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given consent to this.

3. Purpose of data processing

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 recognized even after a page change. We require cookies for the following applications:

a) Transfer of language settings
b) Saving validity features for form submissions to prevent CSRF attacks
c) Noticing that the cookie banner has been read

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 optimize our offer. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

4. Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted by it to our site.

As a user, you therefore also 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.

In the "Google Chrome" browser
Settings -> Advanced -> Security and privacy -> Content settings -> Cookies -> Block

In the "Edge" browser
Settings -> Cookies and website permissions

In the "Internet Explorer" browser
Internet options -> Privacy -> Settings

Do Not Track setting
The web analytics software used by the LVR complies with a "Do Not Track" request and does not collect any browser data in this case.

In the "Google Chrome" browser
Settings -> Advanced -> Privacy and security -> Send a "Do Not Track" request when accessing the browser

In the "Edge" browser
Settings -> Privacy, search and services -> Privacy - Send "Do not track" requests

In the "Internet Explorer" browser
Internet options -> Advanced -> Security -> Send "Do Not Track" requests to websites visited with Internet Explorer

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 functions of the website to their full extent.

VI. E-mail contact

1. Description and scope of data processing

It is possible to contact us via the e-mail 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. Legal basis for data processing

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 email is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If the e-mail contact is aimed at the conclusion of a contract, the additional legal basis for the processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. In the case of contact 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.

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 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.

5. 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 email, 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.

VII. Web analysis by Matomo (formerly PIWIK)

Recording for the purpose of web analysis

If you have given your consent, we use web analysis software to determine how many users visit our websites and how often. Your selection will be stored for a usage period of 90 days. You can change your selection at any time in the section below. We do not use this software to collect individual personal data or individual IP addresses. This data is used exclusively in anonymous and summarized form for statistical purposes and for the further development of the website. The "cookies" used for web analysis are small text files that are stored on the user's PC while one of our websites is being visited. These cookies help us to determine how often and by how many users our websites are accessed. They also help us to make our website as practical and efficient as possible. Technically necessary cookies are always set. Technically necessary cookies on this website include session cookies and Netscaler cookies.

You have the option of preventing the actions you take here from being analyzed and linked. This will protect your privacy, but will also prevent the owner from learning from your actions and improving usability for you and other users.

1. Scope of the processing of personal data

We use the open source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) on our website to analyze the surfing behavior of our users. The software places a cookie on the user's computer (for cookies, see above). If individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:

• The first two bytes of the IP address of the user's calling system
• The website called up
• The website from which the user accessed the website (referrer)
• The subpages that are accessed from the accessed website
• The time spent on the website
• The frequency of visits to the website

The software runs exclusively on the servers of our website. Users' personal data is only stored there. The data is not passed on to third parties. As the software is set so that the IP addresses are not stored in full, it is no longer possible to assign the shortened IP address to the accessing computer.

2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data

The legal basis for the processing of users' personal data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.

3. Purpose of data processing

The processing of users' personal data enables us to analyze the surfing behavior of our users. By evaluating the data obtained, we are able to compile information about the use of the individual components of our website. This helps us to constantly improve our website and its user-friendliness. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in processing the data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. By anonymizing the IP address, the interest of users in the protection of their personal data is sufficiently taken into account.

4. Duration of storage

The data will be deleted after 5 years.

5. Possibility of objection and removal

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.

In the "Google Chrome" browser
Settings -> Advanced -> Security and privacy -> Content settings -> Cookies -> Block

In the "Edge" browser
Settings -> Cookies and website permissions

In the "Internet Explorer" browser
Internet options -> Privacy -> Settings

Do Not Track setting
The web analytics software used by the LVR complies with a "Do Not Track" request and does not collect any browser data in this case.

In the "Google Chrome" browser
Settings -> Advanced -> Privacy and security -> Send a "Do Not Track" request when accessing the browser

In the "Edge" browser
Settings -> Privacy, search and services -> Privacy - Send "Do not track" requests

In the "Internet Explorer" browser
Internet options -> Advanced -> Security -> Send "Do Not Track" requests to websites visited with Internet Explorer

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 functions of the website to their full extent. We offer our users the option of opting out of the analysis process on our website. To do this, you must follow the corresponding link. In this way, another cookie is set on your system, which signals our system not to store the user's data. If the user deletes the corresponding cookie from their own system in the meantime, they must set the opt-out cookie again.

VIII. 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:

1. 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 the following information from the controller:

• 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 planned duration of storage of the personal data concerning you or, if specific information on this is not possible, criteria for determining the duration of storage;
• 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 of appeal to a supervisory authority;
• All available information about the origin of the data if the personal data is not collected from the data subject;
• the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, referred to in Art. 22 (1) and (4) GDPR and, at least in those cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for 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 organization. In this context, you may request to be informed of the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 GDPR in connection with the transfer.

This right of access may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the realization of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

2. 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 rectification without undue delay. Your right to rectification may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

3. Right to restriction of processing

Under the following conditions, you may request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you:

• 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;
• If the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead;
• If the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of the processing, but you require them for the establishment, exercise or defense of legal claims, or
• If you have objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) GDPR and it is not yet certain whether the legitimate reasons of the controller outweigh your reasons.

If the processing of your personal data has been restricted, this data - apart from its storage - may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defense 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.

Your right to restriction of processing may be limited to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

4. Right to erasure

a) Obligation to delete

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 for 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 (1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) GDPR.
• The personal data concerning you has been processed unlawfully.
• The deletion of personal data concerning you is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation under Union law or the law of the Member States to which the controller is subject.
• The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to information society services offered in accordance with Art. 8 para. 1 GDPR.

b) Information to third parties

If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase it pursuant to Article 17(1) GDPR, it shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, taking into account the available technology and the cost of implementation, 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.

c) Exceptions

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

• to exercise the right to 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 pursuant to 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 assertion, exercise or defense of legal claims.
  

5. Right to information

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 to be informed about these recipients by the controller.

6. 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 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. The freedoms and rights of other persons must not be impaired 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.

7. 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 will 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, your personal data will no longer be processed for these purposes.

In the context of the use of information society services, and notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, you have the possibility of exercising your right to object by automated means using technical specifications. You also have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to processing of personal data concerning you which is carried out for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 (1) GDPR. Your right to object may be restricted to the extent that it is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the research or statistical purposes and the restriction is necessary for the fulfillment of the research or statistical purposes.

8. 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.

9. Automated decision-making in individual cases including profiling

You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision (1) is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract between you and the controller, (2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or (3) is based on your explicit consent. However, these decisions may not be based on special categories of personal data pursuant to Art. 9 para. 1 GDPR, unless Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a or g GDPR applies and appropriate measures have been taken to protect the rights and freedoms as well as your legitimate interests. With regard to the cases referred to in (1) and (3), the data controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view and to contest the decision.

10. 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. This is the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information NRW, Kavalleriestraße 2-4, 40213 Düsseldorf, e-mail: poststelle@ldi.nrw.de. The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged will inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy pursuant to Art. 78 GDPR.

Postal address

Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR)
Kennedy-Ufer 2
50679 Cologne

IX. Integration of further services