Privacy policy
With this Privacy policy we inform you which personal data we collect in connection with our Activities and operations including our
Individual or additional activities and operations may be subject to additional privacy statements as well as other legal documents such as General Terms and Conditions (GTC), Terms of Use or Conditions of Participation.
We are subject to Swiss data protection law as well as any applicable foreign data protection law such as, in particular, that of the European Union (EU) with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The European Commission recognizes that Swiss data protection law ensures adequate data protection.
1. contact addresses
Responsibility for the processing of personal data:
Toni Schmid
FH SWITZERLAND
Konradstrasse 6
8005 Zurich
We point out if there are other persons responsible for the processing of personal data in individual cases.
Data protection representation in the European Economic Area (EEA)
We have the following data protection representation pursuant to Art. 27 GDPR. The data protection representation serves as an additional point of contact for supervisory authorities and data subjects in the European Union (EU) and the rest of the European Economic Area (EEA) for inquiries relating to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
VGS Data Protection Partner UG
Am Kaiserkai 69
20457 Hamburg
Germany
2. terms and legal bases
2.1 Terms
Personal data is any information relating to an identified or identifiable person. A data subject is a person about whom personal data is processed.
Processing includes any handling of personal data, regardless of the means and procedures used, in particular the storage, disclosure, procurement, collection, deletion, storage, modification, destruction and use of personal data.
The European Economic Area (EEA) comprises the member states of the European Union (EU) as well as the Principality of Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) refers to the processing of personal data as processing of personal data.
2.2 Legal basis
We process personal data in accordance with Swiss data protection law such as, in particular, the Federal Data Protection Act (FADP) and the Ordinance to the Federal Data Protection Act (FDPA).
We process personal data - if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable - in accordance with at least one of the following legal bases:
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b DSGVO for the necessary processing of personal data for the performance of a contract with the data subject as well as for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DSGVO for the necessary processing of personal data to protect the legitimate interests of us or of third parties, unless the fundamental freedoms and rights and interests of the data subject prevail. Legitimate interests are, in particular, our interest in being able to carry out our activities and operations permanently, in a user-friendly, secure and reliable manner, as well as to communicate about them, to ensure information security, to protect against misuse, to enforce our own legal claims and to comply with Swiss law.
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c DSGVO for the necessary processing of personal data to comply with a legal obligation to which we are subject under any applicable law of Member States in the European Economic Area (EEA).
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e DSGVO for the necessary processing of personal data for the performance of a task that is in the public interest.
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a DSGVO for the processing of personal data with the consent of the data subject.
- Art. 6 para. 1 lit. d DSGVO for the necessary processing of personal data to protect vital interests of the data subject or another natural person.
3. nature, scope and purpose
We process those personal data that are necessary to carry out our activities and operations in a permanent, user-friendly, secure and reliable manner. Such personal data may in particular fall into the categories of inventory and contact data, browser and device data, content data, meta or marginal data and usage data, location data, sales data and contract and payment data.
We process personal data for the duration that is required for the respective purpose(s) or by law. Personal data whose processing is no longer required is anonymized or deleted.
We may have personal data processed by third parties. We may process personal data together with third parties or transfer it to third parties. Such third parties are, in particular, specialized providers whose services we use. We also guarantee data protection for such third parties.
We process personal data only with the consent of the data subject, unless the processing is permitted for other legal reasons. Processing without consent may be permissible, for example, for the performance of a contract with the data subject and for corresponding pre-contractual measures, in order to protect our overriding legitimate interests, because the processing is evident from the circumstances or after prior information.
In this context, we process in particular information that a data subject voluntarily provides to us when contacting us - for example, by letter, e-mail, instant messaging, contact form, social media or telephone - or when registering for a user account. We may store such information, for example, in an address book, in a customer relationship management system (CRM system) or with comparable tools. If we receive data transmitted via other persons, the transmitting persons are obligated to ensure data protection with respect to these persons as well as to ensure the accuracy of this personal data.
We also process personal data that we receive from third parties, obtain from publicly available sources or collect in the course of our activities and operations, if and to the extent that such processing is permitted for legal reasons.
4. personal data abroad
We process personal data in Switzerland and in the European Economic Area (EEA). However, we may also export or transfer personal data to other countries, in particular to process it or have it processed there.
We may export personal data to all states and territories on Earth as well as elsewhere in the universe, provided that the law there ensures adequate data protection according to the assessment of the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) or according to the decision of the Swiss Federal Council and - if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable - according to the decision of the European Commission.
We may transfer personal data to countries whose laws do not ensure adequate data protection, provided that data protection is ensured for other reasons, in particular on the basis of standard data protection clauses or with other appropriate safeguards. By way of exception, we may export personal data to countries without adequate or appropriate data protection if the specific requirements under data protection law are met, for example the express consent of the data subjects or a direct connection with the conclusion or performance of a contract. We will be happy to provide data subjects with information about any guarantees or provide a copy of any guarantees upon request.
5. rights of data subjects
Data subjects about whom we process personal data have the rights under Swiss data protection law. These include the right to information as well as the right to correction, deletion or blocking of the processed personal data.
Data subjects whose personal data we process may - if and to the extent that the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable - request confirmation free of charge as to whether we are processing personal data relating to them. In this case, data subjects may request information about the processing of their personal data, have the processing of their personal data restricted, exercise their right to data portability, and have their personal data corrected, deleted ("right to be forgotten"), blocked or completed.
Data subjects whose personal data we process may - if and insofar as the GDPR applies - revoke any consent they have given at any time with effect for the future and object to the processing of their personal data at any time.
Data subjects about whom we process personal data have a right of appeal to a competent supervisory authority. The supervisory authority for data protection in Switzerland is the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC).
6. data security
We take suitable technical and organizational measures to ensure data security appropriate to the respective risk. However, we cannot guarantee absolute data security.
Access to our website is via transport encryption (SSL / TLS, in particular with the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, abbreviated HTTPS). Most browsers mark transport encryption with a padlock in the address bar.
Our digital communications - like all digital communications in principle - are subject to mass surveillance without cause or suspicion and other monitoring by security authorities in Switzerland, the rest of Europe, the United States of America (USA) and other countries. We cannot directly influence the corresponding processing of personal data by secret services, police agencies and other security authorities.
7. use of the website
7.1 Cookies
We may use cookies. Cookies - our own cookies (first-party cookies) as well as cookies from third parties whose services we use (third-party cookies) - are data that are stored in the browser. Such stored data need not be limited to traditional cookies in text form.
Cookies can be stored in the browser temporarily as "session cookies" or for a certain period of time as so-called permanent cookies. "Session cookies" are automatically deleted when the browser is closed. Permanent cookies have a specific storage period. In particular, cookies enable us to recognize a browser the next time it visits our website and thus, for example, to measure the reach of our website. However, permanent cookies can also be used for online marketing, for example.
Cookies can be completely or partially deactivated and deleted in the browser settings at any time. Without cookies, our website may no longer be fully available. We actively request - at least if and to the extent necessary - the express consent to the use of cookies.
For cookies used for performance and reach measurement or for advertising, a general objection ("opt-out") is possible for numerous services via AdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance of Canada), the Network Advertising Initiative (NAI), YourAdChoices (Digital Advertising Alliance) or Your Online Choices (European Interactive Digital Advertising Alliance, EDAA).
7.2 Server log files
We may collect the following information for each access to our website, provided that this information is transmitted by your browser to our server infrastructure or can be determined by our web server: Date and time including time zone, Internet Protocol (IP) address, access status (HTTP status code), operating system including user interface and version, browser including language and version, individual sub-page of our website accessed including amount of data transferred, website last accessed in the same browser window (referer or referrer).
We store such information, which may also constitute personal data, in server log files. The information is necessary to provide our website permanently, user-friendly and reliably, as well as to ensure data security and thus in particular the protection of personal data - also by third parties or with the help of third parties.
7.3 Tracking pixel
We may use tracking pixels on our website. Tracking pixels are also known as web beacons. Tracking pixels - also from third parties whose services we use - are small, usually invisible images that are automatically retrieved when you visit our website. With pixel counters, the same information can be collected as in server log files.
7.4 Comments
We enable you to publish comments on our website. In this context, we process in particular the information that a commenting person transmits to us, but also the Internet Protocol (IP) address used as well as the date and time. This information is required to enable the publication of comments and to ensure protection against misuse, which is in our overriding legitimate interest.
8. notifications and messages
We send notifications and communications via email and other communication channels, such as instant messaging or SMS.
8.1 Success and reach measurement
Notifications and messages may contain web links or tracking pixels that record whether an individual message was opened and which web links were clicked. Such web links and tracking pixels may also track usage of notifications and communications on a personal basis. We need this statistical recording of usage for performance and reach measurement in order to be able to send notifications and messages based on the needs and reading habits of the recipients in an effective and user-friendly manner as well as permanently, securely and reliably.
8.2 Consent and objection
As a matter of principle, you must expressly consent to the use of your e-mail address and other contact addresses, unless such use is permitted for other legal reasons. For any consent, we use the "double opt-in" procedure where possible, i.e. you will receive an e-mail with a web link that you must click to confirm so that no misuse by unauthorized third parties can take place. We may log such consents including Internet Protocol (IP) address, date and time for evidence and security reasons.
In principle, you can object to receiving notifications and communications such as newsletters at any time. With such an objection, you can simultaneously object to the statistical recording of usage for performance and reach measurement. Required notifications and communications in connection with our activities and operations remain reserved.
8.3 Service provider for notifications and messages
We send notifications and messages with the help of specialized service providers.
We use in particular:
- Sendinblue: Communication platform; Provider: Sendinblue GmbH (Germany); Privacy information: Privacy policy, "Privacy & Data Security".
9. social media
We are present on social media platforms and other online platforms in order to communicate with interested persons and to provide information about our activities and operations. In connection with such platforms, personal data may also be processed outside of Switzerland and the European Economic Area (EEA).
The General Terms and Conditions (GTC) and Terms of Use as well as data protection declarations and other provisions of the individual operators of such platforms also apply in each case. These provisions inform in particular about the rights of data subjects directly vis-à-vis the respective platform, which includes, for example, the right to information.
For our social media presence on Facebook, including the so-called Page Insights, we are - if and insofar as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is applicable - jointly responsible with Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland). Meta Platforms Ireland Limited is part of the Meta companies (including in the USA). Page Insights provide information about how visitors interact with our Facebook presence. We use Page Insights to provide our social media presence on Facebook in an effective and user-friendly manner.
Further information about the nature, scope and purpose of data processing, information about the rights of data subjects and the contact details of Facebook as well as Facebook's data protection officer can be found in Facebook's privacy policy. We have concluded the so-called "Responsible Party Addendum" with Facebook and thus agreed in particular that Facebook is responsible for ensuring the rights of data subjects. For the so-called Page Insights, the corresponding information can be found on the page "Page Insights Information" including "Page Insights Data Information".
10. services from third parties
We use services of specialized third parties to perform our activities and operations in a durable, user-friendly, secure and reliable manner. With such services, we can, among other things, embed functions and content in our website. In the case of such embedding, the services used record the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of the users at least temporarily for technically compelling reasons.
For necessary security-related, statistical and technical purposes, third parties whose services we use may process data in connection with our activities and operations in aggregated, anonymized or pseudonymized form. This is, for example, performance or usage data in order to be able to offer the respective service.
We use in particular:
- Google services: Providers: Google LLC (USA) / Google Ireland Limited (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland; General information on data protection: "Privacy and Security Principles", Privacy Policy, "Google is committed to complying with applicable data protection laws", " Privacy Policy Guide in Google Products", "How we use data from websites or apps on or in which our services are used" (information provided by Google), "Types of cookies and other technologies used by Google", " Personalized advertising" (activation / deactivation / settings).
- Microsoft services: Providers: Microsoft Corporation (USA) / Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom and Switzerland; General information on data protection: "Data Protection at Microsoft", "Data Protection (Trust Center)", Privacy Policy.
10.1 Digital infrastructure
We use services from specialized third parties to make use of required digital infrastructure in connection with our activities and operations. These include, for example, hosting and storage services from selected providers.
10.2 Contact options
We use services from selected providers to better communicate with third parties, such as potential and existing customers.
10.3 Audio and video conferencing
We use specialized audio and video conferencing services to communicate online. We can use them, for example, to hold virtual meetings or conduct online lessons and webinars. For participation in audio and video conferences, the legal texts of the individual services such as privacy statements and terms of use apply in addition.
Depending on the life situation, we recommend muting the microphone by default when participating in audio or video conferences, as well as blurring the background or fading in a virtual background.
We use in particular:
- Microsoft Teams: Platform for audio and video conferencing, among other things; provider: Microsoft; Teams-specific information: "Privacy and Microsoft Teams".
- Zoom: Video conferencing; provider: Zoom Video Communications Inc. (USA); privacy information: privacy policy, "Privacy at Zoom", "Legal Compliance Center".
10.4 Online collaboration
We use services of third parties to enable online collaboration. In addition to this privacy policy, any directly visible conditions of the services used, such as terms of use or privacy statements, also apply.
10.5 Social media functions and social media content
We use third-party services and plugins to embed features and content from social media platforms and to enable sharing of content on social media platforms and other ways.
We use in particular:
- Facebook (social plugins): Embedding of Facebook functions and Facebook content, for example "Like" or "Share"; provider: Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (Ireland) and other Meta companies (including in the USA); data protection information: privacy policy.
- LinkedIn Consumer Solutions Platform: Embedding functions and content from LinkedIn, for example with plugins such as the "Share Plugin"; Provider: Microsoft; LinkedIn-specific information: "Datenschutz" ("Privacy"), Datenschutzerklärung, Cookie-Richtlinie, Cookie-Management / Objection to email and SMS communication from LinkedIn, Objection to interest-based advertising.
- Twitter for websites: Embedding functions and content from Twitter, for example for displaying tweets; Providers: Twitter International Company (Ireland) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom / Twitter Inc. (USA) for users in the rest of the world; Privacy information: Privacy policy, "Twitter for websites - information about ads and privacy", "How we use cookies and similar technologies", " Personalization based on derived identity", " Privacy settings for personalized ads".
10.6 Digital audio and video content
We use services from specialized third parties to enable direct playback of digital audio and video content, such as music or podcasts.
We use in particular:
- Vimeo: Video platform; Provider: Vimeo Inc. (USA); Privacy information: Privacy policy, "Privacy".
- YouTube: Video platform; Provider: Google; YouTube-specific information: "Privacy and Security Center", "My Data on YouTube".
10.7 Documents
We use third-party services to embed documents on our website. Such documents may include, for example, forms, PDF files, presentations, tables and text documents. We can thus enable not only viewing, but also editing or commenting on such documents.
We use in particular:
- Issuu: Digital documents and electronic publications; Provider: Issuu Inc. (USA); Privacy information: Privacy policy.
10.8 Fonts
We use third party services to embed selected fonts as well as icons, logos and symbols into our website.
We use in particular:
- Font Awesome: Icons and Logos; Provider: Fonticons Inc. (USA); Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy.
- fonts.com: Fonts; Provider: Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (USA); Privacy information: "Your Privacy", Privacy Policy, "Web Font Tracking Privacy Policy".
10.9 Advertising
We use the option to display targeted advertisements for our activities and operations on third parties such as social media platforms and search engines.
In particular, we would like to use such advertising to reach people who are already interested in our activities and operations or who might be interested in them(remarketing and targeting). For this purpose, we may transmit corresponding - possibly also personal - information to third parties that enable such advertising. We can also determine whether our advertising is successful, i.e. in particular whether it leads to visits to our website (conversion tracking).
Third parties with whom we advertise and where you are registered as a user can, if necessary, assign the use of our online offer to your profile there.
We use in particular:
- Google Ads: Search engine advertising; Provider: Google; Google Ads-specific data: Advertising based on, among other things, search queries, using various domain names - in particular doubleclick.net, googleadservices.com and googlesyndication.com - for Google Ads, "Advertising" (Google), "Why am I seeing a particular ad?".
11. extensions for the website
We use extensions for our website in order to be able to use additional functions.
We use in particular:
- Google reCAPTCHA: Spam protection (distinguishing between wanted comments from humans and unwanted comments from bots, as well as spam); provider: Google; Google reCAPTCHA-specific information: "Was ist reCAPTCHA?" ("What is reCAPTCHA?").
12. success and reach measurement
We use services and programs to determine how our online offering is used. In this context, we can, for example, measure the success and reach of our activities and operations as well as the effect of third-party links to our website. However, we can also, for example, test and compare how different versions of our online offering or parts of our online offering are used ("A/B test" method). Based on the results of the performance and reach measurement, we can in particular correct errors, strengthen popular content or make improvements to our online offering.
When using services and programs for performance and reach measurement, the Internet Protocol (IP) addresses of individual users must be stored. IP addresses are generally shortened ("IP masking") in order to follow the principle of data economy through the corresponding pseudonymization and thus improve user data protection.
When using services and programs for performance and reach measurement, cookies may be used and user profiles may be created. User profiles include, for example, the pages visited or content viewed on our website, information on the size of the screen or browser window and the - at least approximate - location. As a matter of principle, user profiles are created exclusively on a pseudonymous basis. We do not use user profiles to identify individual users. Individual services of third parties with which users are registered may be able to assign the use of our online service to the user account or user profile of the respective service.
We use in particular:
- Google Analytics: Performance and reach measurement; Provider: Google; Google Analytics-specific information: Measurement also across different browsers and devices (cross-device tracking), "Privacy", "Browser add-on to disable Google Analytics".
- Google Tag Manager: Integration and management of other services for performance and reach measurement as well as other services from Google and third parties; provider: Google; Google Tag Manager-specific information: "Data collected with Google Tag Manager"; further information on data protection can be found with the individual integrated and managed services.
13. final provisions
We have created this privacy statement with the data protection generator of Datenschutzpartner.
We can adapt and supplement this data protection declaration at any time. We will inform about such adjustments and additions in an appropriate form, in particular by publishing the respective current privacy policy on our website.