Privacy policy

In the following, we inform you about the processing of personal data when using the website physik.rub.de. Personal data is any data that can be related to you personally. Other conditions may apply on other pages of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum.

Important notice: Our official privacy notice is only available in German. You may use our translation switch to view an English version. Please be aware that the English version may contain errors and is not officially valid.

Name and address of the person responsible

The responsible person 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 provisions:

Ruhr-Universität Bochum
The Rector
Universitätsstraße 150
44801 BochumGermany

Phone: +49 234 32 201
Fax: +49 234 32 14201

E-mail:
Website: www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Name and address of the data protection officer

Ruhr-Universität Bochum
Dr. Kai-Uwe Loser
Universitätsstraße 150
44780 Bochum

Phone: +49 234 32 28720

E-mail:
Website: https://dsb.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/

General information on data processing

1. scope of the processing of personal data

As a matter of principle, we collect and use personal data of our users only insofar as this is necessary for the provision of a functional website as well as our contents and services. The collection and use of our users' personal data regularly only takes place with the user's consent. An exception applies in those cases in which it is not possible to obtain prior consent for actual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by legal regulations.

2. legal basis for the processing of personal data

Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing operations involving personal data, Article 6 (1) lit. a of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.

Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary for the performance of our tasks which is in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority, Art. 6 (1) lit. e DSGVO serves as the legal basis.

3. data deletion and storage period

The personal data of the data subject shall be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of the storage no longer applies. Storage may also take place if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in Union regulations, laws or other provisions to which the person responsible is subject. The data will also be blocked or deleted if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a necessity for the continued storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfilment of a contract.

Provision of the website and creation of log files

1. description and scope of data processing

Each time our website is accessed and each time a file is retrieved from the RUB website, our system automatically records 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 operating system of the user
The user's internet service provider
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. purpose of the data processing and legal basis

The 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 storage in log files is done to ensure the functionality of the website. In addition, we use the data to optimise the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. An evaluation of the data for marketing purposes does not take place in this context.

The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data and the log files is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e DSGVO.

3. duration of the 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.

In the case of storage of data in log files, this is the case after 24 hours at the latest. Storage beyond this period is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or alienated so that an assignment of the calling client is no longer possible.

4. possibility of objection and removal

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of the data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the user to object.

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 calls up 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 calling browser can be identified even after a page change.

The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:

Preferred font size
Preferred contrast version
Preferred language
Logged in to the system (only for editorial/administration)
Expiry date

We also use cookies on our website that enable an analysis of the user's surfing behaviour (see next section)

The user data collected in this way is pseudonymised by technical precautions. Therefore, it is no longer possible to assign the data to the calling user. The data is not stored together with other personal data of the users.

When accessing our website, users are informed by an information banner about the use of cookies for analysis purposes and referred to this data protection declaration. In this context, there is also an indication of how the storage of cookies can be prevented in the browser settings.

2. purpose of the data processing and legal basis

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 that the browser is recognised even after a page change.

The user data collected through technically necessary cookies are not used to create user profiles.

Analysis cookies are used to improve the quality of our website and its content. Through the analysis cookies, we learn how the website is used and can thus constantly optimise our offer.

The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e DSGVO.

3. duration of storage, possibility of objection and elimination

Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted to our site by the user. Therefore, you as a user also have full control over the use of cookies. By changing the settings in your internet browser, you can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored 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.

Web analysis through Matomo (formerly PIWIK)

1. scope of the processing of personal data

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

Two bytes of the IP address of the calling system of the user
The accessed web page
The website from which the user has reached the accessed website (referrer)
The subpages that are accessed from the accessed web page
The length of stay on the website
The frequency with which the website is accessed

The software runs exclusively on the servers of the Ruhr University Bochum. The personal data of the users is only stored there. The data is not passed on to third parties.

The software is set in such a way that the IP addresses are not stored completely, but 2 bytes of the IP address are masked (e.g.: 192.168.xxx.xxx). In this way, it is no longer possible to assign the shortened IP address to the calling computer.

2. purpose of the data processing and legal basis

The processing of the users' personal data enables us to analyse the surfing behaviour 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 continuously improve our website and its user-friendliness. By anonymising the IP address, the interest of users in the protection of their personal data is adequately taken into account.

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

3. duration of the storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer needed for our recording purposes. In our case, this is the case after 90 days.

4. possibility of objection and removal

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 their system, which signals to our system not to save 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. Alternatively, you can activate the "Do-not-track" setting in your browser.

For more information on the privacy settings of the Matomo software, please see the following link: https://matomo.org/docs/privacy/.

Contact form and e-mail contact

1. description and scope of data processing

Our website contains contact forms that can be used for electronic contact. Our contact forms were created with the Contact Form 7 plugin. The plugin only serves to forward entered form data to the recipient's email address. Additional storage, e.g. in the WordPress database, does not take place. Further information and the applicable data protection provisions of Contact Form can be found at https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/contact-form-7/.

For the processing of the data, your consent is obtained during the submission process and reference is made to this privacy policy.

Alternatively, 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.

In this context, the data will not be passed on to third parties. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.

2. purpose of the data processing and legal basis

The processing of the personal data from the input mask serves us solely to process the contact. In the case of contact by e-mail, this also constitutes the necessary legitimate interest in processing the data.

The other personal data processed during the submission process serve to prevent misuse of the contact form and to ensure the security of our information technology systems.

The legal basis for the processing of data is Art. 6 (1) lit. a DSGVO if the user has given his or her consent. The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e DSGVO.

3. duration of the 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 mask of the contact form and those sent by e-mail, this is the case when the respective conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is ended when the circumstances indicate 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.

4. possibility of objection and removal

The user has the option to revoke his consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us by e-mail, he or she can object to the storage of his or her 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.

Use of Weglot translations

We offer users the opportunity to view content in different languages on our website. For this purpose, we use the translation service Weglot. Information about the collection and use of data by Weglot can be found here: Weglot Privacy Policy.

Use of social media plugins

We offer users the "Share on social media" function on our website. To protect user data, we rely on the "Shariff" solution for implementation. Through "Shariff", only links are integrated on the website that contain a link to the corresponding website of the provider. By clicking on the link, the user is forwarded to the services of the respective provider. Only then will data be sent to the respective providers. If you do not click on the link, no exchange takes place between the user and the providers of the social media services. Information on the collection and use of your data in the social networks can be found in the respective terms of use of the corresponding providers.

We have integrated social media services of the following companies on our website:

Facebook Inc. https://de-de. facebook.com/privacy/explanation
Twitter Inc. https://twitter. com/de/privacy
Instagram https://privacycenter.instagram.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy

The legal basis for the processing of data following the user's consent is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a DSGVO.

Use of YouTube videos

We offer users on our website the opportunity to watch selected videos from YouTube directly on the site. To protect user data, a connection to YouTube is only established and the video started by clicking on a link. Only then is data sent to the provider. If you do not click on the link, no exchange takes place between the user and YouTube. Information about the collection and use of your data by YouTube can be found here: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de&gl=de

Use of a cookie tool

We use the "Real Cookie Banner" consent tool to manage the cookies and similar technologies used (tracking pixels, web beacons, etc.) and related consents. Details on how "Real Cookie Banner" works can be found here.

Legal bases for the processing of personal data in this context are Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c DS-GVO and Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f DS-GVO. Our legitimate interest is the management of the cookies and similar technologies used and the related consents.

The provision of personal data is not required by contract and is not necessary for the conclusion of a contract. You are not obliged to provide the personal data. If you do not provide the personal data, we will not be able to manage your consents.

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:

Right to information

You may request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data relating to you is being processed by us.

If there is such processing, you can request information from the controller about the following data actually processed and more:

the purposes for which the personal data are processed;
the categories of personal data which 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 the storage of the personal data relating to you or, if specific information on this is not possible, criteria for determining the storage duration;
the existence of a right to rectify or erase personal data concerning you, a right to have processing restricted by the controller or a right to object to such processing;
the existence of a right of appeal to a supervisory authority;
any available information on the origin of the data if the personal data are not collected from the data subject.

You have the right to request information on whether personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or to an international organisation. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards pursuant to Art. 46 of the GDPR in connection with the transfer.

Right of rectification

You have a right of rectification and/or completion vis-à-vis the controller if the personal data processed concerning you are inaccurate or incomplete. The controller shall carry out the rectification without undue delay.

Right to restrict processing

You may request the restriction of the processing of personal data concerning you under the following conditions:

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;
the processing is unlawful and you refuse to erase the personal data and instead request the restriction of the use of the personal data;
the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you need it for the assertion, exercise or defence of legal claims, or
if you have objected to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) DSGVO and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller outweigh your grounds.

Where the processing of personal data relating to you has been restricted, those data may be processed, with the exception of their storage, only with your consent or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of substantial 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.

Right to erasure

You may request the controller to erase the personal data concerning you without delay and the controller is obliged to erase this data without delay if one of the following reasons 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 (1) a or Art. 9 (2) a DSGVO and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (1) DSGVO and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 (2) DSGVO.
The personal data concerning you has been processed unlawfully.
The deletion of the personal data concerning you is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to information society services offered pursuant to Art. 8 (1) DSGVO.

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) of the GDPR, it shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, having regard to the available technology and the cost of implementation, to inform data controllers which process the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested that they erase all links to, or copies or replications of, that personal data.

Exceptions

The right to erasure does not exist insofar as the processing is necessary

to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information;
for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing under 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(2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9(3) DSGVO;
for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes pursuant to Article 89(1) of the GDPR, where the right referred to in Section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously prejudice the achievement of the purposes of such processing, or
for the assertion, exercise or defence of legal claims.

Obligation to notify in case of correction or deletion

If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to communicate this rectification or erasure of the data or restriction of processing to all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves a disproportionate effort.

You have the right to be informed of these recipients by the controller.

Right to data portability

You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that 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 whom the personal data has been provided, provided that

the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a DSGVO or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a DSGVO or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b DSGVO and
the processing is carried out with the aid of automated procedures.

In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transferred directly from one controller to another controller, insofar as this is technically feasible. This must not affect the freedoms and rights of other persons.

The right to data portability shall not apply to 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.

Right of objection

You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data relating to you which is carried out on the basis of Article 6(1)(e) or (f) DSGVO; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless it can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.

If the personal data concerning you is processed for the purpose of direct marketing, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for the purpose of such marketing; this also applies to profiling, insofar as it is related to such direct marketing.

If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.

You have the possibility, in connection with the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, to exercise your right to object by means of automated procedures using technical specifications.

Right to revoke the declaration of consent under data protection law

You have the right to revoke your declaration of consent under data protection law at any time. The revocation of consent does not affect the lawfulness of the processing carried out on the basis of the consent until the revocation.

Automated decision in individual cases including profiling

Does not take place.

Right to complain to 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 residence, place of work or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.

The supervisory authority to which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant of the status and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Article 78 GDPR.

The supervisory authority responsible for RUB is the State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (NRW).

Status May 2022