Data Privacy

Welcome to the website of the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut (FBH) and for the interest you have shown in our research. Below you will find detailed information about how your data is handled.

This text is a direct translation of the original Privacy Policy in German. However, for legal purposes, only the German version is binding.

In compliance with the applicable data protection laws, we process personal data that is collected when you visit our websites. We will not publish your data or disclose it to any third parties without authorization. In the following sections, we explain which data we collect when you visit our websites, and exactly how this data is used.

I. Name and address of the controller

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other national data protection legislation of the Member States and other data protection legislation is:

Ferdinand-Braun-Institut gGmbH,
Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik.
Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 4,
12489 Berlin
Tel. +49 30 63922600

represented by the management
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Patrick Scheele (Scientific Managing Director)
Dr. Karin-Irene Eiermann (administrative director)

II. Name and address of the Data Protection Officer

Volker Bentlage
Gustav-Kirchhoff-Str. 4
12489 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 63922610
E-Mail: datenschutz(at)fbh-berlin.de

1. Scope of personal data processing

As a general rule, we only process personal data concerning our users where necessary in order to provide a functional website and to provide our content and services. Personal data concerning our users will only be processed regularly if the user has given his or her consent. An exemption applies in such cases where it is impossible, for reasons of fact, to gain prior consent and the processing of data is permitted by law.

2. Legal basis for personal data processing

Where we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing procedures, Article 6(1)(a) of the 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 party, Article 6(1)(b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. The same applies for processing procedures that are necessary in order to take steps prior to entering into a contract. Where it is necessary to process personal data for compliance with a legal obligation that FBH must meet, Article 6(1)(c) GDPR serves as the legal basis. In the event that the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person require the processing of personal data, Article 6(1)(d) GDPR serves as the legal basis. If processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by FBH or by a third party and if the aforementioned interests are not overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject, then Article 6(1)(f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing.

3. Erasure of data and storage period

The personal data concerning the data subject will be erased or made unavailable as soon as the purpose of storage ceases to apply. Data may also be stored where provision has been made for this by European or national legislators in Union regulations, laws or other provisions to which FBH is subject. Data will also be made unavailable or erased where a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned legislation expires, unless there is a need for the further retention of the data for the purpose of entering into or performing a contract.

Every time our website is visited, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the requesting computer in so-called log files.

The following data is collected in this connection and stored in our systems’ log files:

• Date and time of access
• User’s IP address
• Websites called up from the user’s system via our website
• Websites from which the user’s system reached our website
• Information about the browser type and version
• Information about the user’s operating system
• Information about the user’s internet service provider

This data will not be stored together with other personal data concerning the user.

Data is stored in log files in order to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, the data serves the purpose of optimizing the website, of eliminating any possible malfunctions and of preserving the security of our information technology systems. Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the provision of the website, this occurs at the end of the session.

Log file data is usually deleted after seven days at the latest. If FBH has to store log file data for a longer period due to technical requirements or security aspects, users’ IP addresses are deleted or modified to prevent their identification. Such storage is essential and cannot be objected to by the user. The legal basis for the storage of data and log files is Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

RSS is an electronic news presentation format that allows the user to subscribe to the content of a website – or parts thereof – as so-called RSS feeds or even integrate them into other websites. The FBH grants (revocable) authorisation for other websites to integrate the content of its RSS feeds using active links to the original article, provided the source is named. The feeds may not be displayed in frames, and must instead open in a new browser window. We only allow the integration of headings and teasers. Unfortunately, we cannot allow the integration of pictures from RSS feeds. Other extracts and in particular the integration or dissemination of full reports or other articles from our website are not permitted. The statutory provisions of copyright and trademark law apply.

The FBH reserves the right to deny the use or integration of RSS feeds without stating reasons. We do not guarantee any availability and we do not provide any services in the scope of this offer. In particular, we reserve the right to technically modify, revise or completely discontinue the feeds at any time without notice. If you integrate our RSS feeds into third-party websites, please send the link to: pr[at]fbh-berlin.de.

The website of the FBH uses a plugin of the company YouTube, a subsidiary of Google.inc. When you visit a page that contains this plugin, a connection is made to the servers of YouTube and YouTube learns that a video has been accessed via the FBH website. If you happen to be logged into your YouTube account at the same time, then YouTube can identify you as the viewer of this video. If you do not wish your viewing history to be recorded, then you should log out of your YouTube account before using the plugin. More information on how YouTube collects and uses your data can be found at   https://policies.google.com/privacy

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 requests a website, a cookie can be stored on the user’s operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when you next visit the website. The FBH only uses cookies for web analytics, which enable an analysis of the user's surfing behavior, and informs users via information bar that cookies are being used. Confirmation of the info bar sets a cookie. Please read section XII. Web analytics.

Duration of storage, possibility of objection and removal

Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted from there to our website. As the user, you therefore have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your internet browser, you can disable or restrict the transmission of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also take place automatically. If cookies are disabled for our website, you may not be able to use the full functionality of the website.

Our website offers the opportunity to subscribe to complimentary information ("frequent", press releases, events). If a user uses this option by sending an email to pr(at)fbh-berlin.de the following data are transmitted to us:

• Email address
• Surname
• First name
• If applicable further voluntary disclosures (e.g., postal address, telephone number, content preferences)

During the process of these data, we notify you of the specific processing of the data, and obtain your consent. In addition, reference is made to this Privacy Policy. The data will only be used for the purpose of sending the requested information. The legal basis for the processing of these data, if the user’s consent has been given, is Article 6(1)(a) GDPR. Personal data is processed solely for the purpose of processing the requested information. Data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. The above data of the user will be stored as long as the subscription of the desired information is active. This subscription can be cancelled by the user at any time. For this purpose, each information sent to the user contains a corresponding link or note.

Our website contains a contact form that can be used to establish contact electronically and to select information as desired. If a user uses this option, the data entered in the input mask is transmitted to us and saved. In this connection, the data usually consists of:

• email address
• contact preference "post" requires you to register also your first name, family name and address
• details about the information request from a selection menu
• date and time of registration

During the process of using the contact form, we notify you of the specific processing of the data, and obtain your consent. In addition, reference is made to this Privacy Policy. The data will only be used for the purpose of processing the conversation.

The legal basis for the processing of data in the context of using the contact form, if the user’s consent has been given, is Article 6(1)(a) GDPR. Personal data is processed solely for the purpose of processing the contact request and your information request. Data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. This is the case when the relevant conversation with the user has ended or when the user’s request has finally been processed. The conversation has ended when it can be gathered from the circumstances that the issue in question has finally been clarified. The user may at any time withdraw his or her consent to the processing of personal data vis-à-vis the contact persons listed, to adjust his or her information request or to unsubscribe.

Your personal data will only be transmitted to state institutions and authorities when required by legislation or for the purpose of prosecution for attacks on our network infrastructure. Data will not be disclosed to third parties for any other purpose.

If personal data concerning you is processed, you are the data subject within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation and have the following rights vis-à-vis the controller – unless statutory exceptions apply in specific cases:

• Withdrawal of consent (Article 7(3) GDPR)
• Access (Article 15 GDPR)
• Rectification (Article 16 GDPR)
• Erasure (Article 17(1) GDPR)
• Restriction of processing (Article 18 GDPR)
• Data portability (Article 20 GDPR)
• Objection to processing (Article 21 GDPR)
• Lodging of a complaint with the supervisory authority (Article 77 GDPR)

For FBH, the supervisory authority is: The Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Friedrichstr. 219, 10969 Berlin, Germany.

1. Matomo

Our website uses the web analytics program "Matomo" (formerly Piwik) for statistical data collection. Using cookies and JavaScript, this program collects various information on the user’s computer and transmits it automatically to the FBH system.

The following data and information is collected every time the user visits the website:

• IP address shortened to three bytes, making it anonymous (e.g. 192.168.100.xxx)
• Cookies to differentiate between different visitors to our website: pk_id and pk_sess
• Referrer URL
• Name and version of the user’s operating system
• Name, version and language setting of the user’s browser
• Search terms entered
• Frequency of page views

When JavaScript is enabled, the following information is additionally collected:

• URLs visited on this website
• Time when the website was visited
• Nature of the HTML query
• Screen resolution and color depth
• Technologies and formats supported by the browser (e.g. cookies, Java, Flash, PDF, Windows Media, QuickTime, Realplayer, Director, SilverLight, Google Gears)

This data is stored exclusively on a central server operated by FBH. Data is not disclosed to any third parties. All data collected in this way will be deleted after compiling the annual statistics.

In this way, FBH obtains information about how the individual components of a website are used. This enables FBH to improve its online content and the usability of the website. The user is notified accordingly when requesting the website. The legal basis for the personal data processing required for this task involving the use of cookies is the legitimate interest of the provider in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

2. Opt Out

When requesting our websites, the user is notified of this type of data collection. You may of course object to data being collected by the central server. The following independent opt-outs are available for this purpose:

1. Enable the "Do Not Track" setting in your browser. As long as this setting is enabled, our server will not store any data concerning you whatsoever. Note: the Do Not Track instruction usually only applies for the device and the browser in which you enabled the setting. If you use several devices/browsers, then you must enable the Do Not Track function separately for each one.

2. You can revoke your consent to our cookies at any time or adjust the settings by clicking the settings button in the lower left corner of the page.