Data Privacy Policy

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

Below you will find information about

  • 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 you contact us, subscribe to newsletters or press releases or use other GIZ online services.
  • what possibilities there are to object to the storage of the data.
  • what rights you have with respect to us.

1. Controller and Data Protection Officer

The responsible body for data processing is Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Address:
Friedrich-Ebert-Allee 32 + 36, 53113 Bonn
Dag-Hammarskjöld-Weg 1–5, 65760 Eschborn

Contact:
unternehmenskommunikation@giz.de

We have data processing agreements with the following service providers: 3st, askallo

If you have specific questions about the protection of your data, please contact GIZ's Data Protection Officer: datenschutzbeauftragte@giz.de

2. Information about the collection of personal data

2.1 General

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

Personal data are, for example, name, address, e-mail addresses and user behavior.

Personal data will only be processed by GIZ to the extent necessary. Which data is required and processed for what purpose and on what basis depends largely on the type of service you use, or on the purpose for which the data is required.

2.2 Collection of personal data when visiting our website

When visiting the Integrated Company Report, the browser used automatically transmits data that is stored in a log file. GIZ itself only processes the data that is technically required to display the website correctly and to ensure its stability and security. Among other things, it is stored for each access to the page viewed, the IP address of the accessing device, the page from which the user was redirected, as well as the date and time of the access. A detailed list of stored data can be found here.

Further information on the storage and transfer of data:

GIZ is obliged to store data beyond the time of the visit in order to ensure protection against attacks on the GIZ’s internet infrastructure and the communications technology of the Federal Government (legal basis: Art. 6 (1) (e) GDPR in conjunction with Section 5 BSI Act). In the event of attacks on communications technology, this data is analysed and used to initiate legal and criminal prosecution.

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

2.3 Cookies

When you visit our website, small text files, so-called cookies, are stored on your computer. They are used to make the online presence 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 in which the page is displayed is closed (so-called temporary cookies or session cookies). This type of cookie makes it possible to assign different requests from a browser to a session and to recognise the browser when you visit the website again (session ID).

2.4 Analysis service etracker (user analysis)

etracker

To analyze usage data on its website, GIZ uses the etracker web analysis service operated by etracker GmbH, Hamburg. Data is stored and evaluated completely anonymously.

The data generated with etracker is processed and stored by etracker on behalf of GIZ in Germany only.

Further information on data protection at etracker can be found here: https://www.etracker.com/en/data-protection-by-etracker/

2.5 Analysis service matomo (user analysis)

matomo

To analyze user browsing behavior, GIZ also uses the open-source software tool Matomo. Based on the statistical evaluation of visitor access, we can continuously improve the quality of our services and content. The measurement is carried out in accordance with the principle of refraining from collecting personal data.

Further information on user analysis

etracker uses cookies to enable a statistical analysis of the use of the GIZ website. etracker cookies do not contain any information that permits identification of a user. Every time you visit a page on the GIZ website and every time you download a file, information about the activity is processed and stored in a temporary log file. Before it is stored, each data set is rendered anonymous by altering 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.

The button is located at the bottom of the page.

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).

When all cookies on a device are deleted, the opt-out cookie is also deleted and must be reactivated.

3. Processing of personal data when contacting us

When users contact us, the data provided will be processed in order to be able to respond to the enquiry. The following contact options are available:

  • e-mail
  • letter
  • telephone
3.1 Contact by e-mail

It is possible to contact GIZ via the e-mail 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 request.

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 (1) e GDPR.

3.2 Contact by letter

When contacting us by letter, the personal data transmitted (e.g. surname, first name, address) and the information contained in the letter will be stored for the purpose of contacting you and processing the request.

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending a letter is Art. 6 (1) e GDPR.

3.3 Contact by telephone

If you contact us by telephone, personal data will be processed to the extent necessary in order to handle your request.

The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of a telephone call is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e GDPR.

4. Processing of personal data in connection with social network use

On its website, GIZ offers the opportunity to visit company presences on social networks and platforms such as LinkedIn, Bluesky and YouTube.

These online presences are operated in order to interact with the users active on these sites and platforms and to provide information 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 and its further use by the operators of the social networks. 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.

When you access a GIZ presence on social media, the terms of use and the data protection declarations of the respective operators apply. Click here for the contact addresses and links to the privacy policies of the social media in which GIZ operates.

Social media with GIZ appearances

5. 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.

6. Transfer of data to third countries

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

7. 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.

8. IT security of user data

The protection of personal data is an important concern for GIZ. Therefore, technical and organisational security measures ensure that the data is protected against accidental and intentional manipulation, unintended erasure and unauthorised access. These measures are updated in accordance with the technical developments and are constantly adapted in line with the risks.

9. Reference to user rights

Visitors to the GIZ website have the right to

  • Access to information about their data stored by us (Art. 15 GDPR),
  • Rectification of their data stored by us (Art. 16 GDPR),
  • Erasure of their data stored by us (Art. 17 GDPR),
  • Restriction of the processing of their data stored by us (Art. 18 GDPR),
  • Object to the storage of their data, provided that this data is processed based on Art. 6 Para. 1 S. 1 lit. f) and e) GDPR (Art. 21 GDPR),
  • receive the data concerning them in a commonly used and machine-readable format from the controller in order to have it transmitted to another controller if necessary (right to data portability, Art. 20 GDPR),
  • withdraw their consent, provided that the processing of the data has been carried out on the basis of consent (Art. 6 para. 1 a) GDPR). The lawfulness of the processing based on the consent given remains unaffected until the reception of the withdrawal.
  • In accordance with Art. 77 GDPR, users 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.