Privacy Policy

The Kulturkenner privacy policy is based on the terminology used by the European legislator in the adoption of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our privacy policy should be easy to read and understand for both the public and our customers and business partners. To ensure this, we would like to explain the terms used in advance.

In this privacy policy, we use, among others, the following terms: Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person (hereinafter "data subject"). An identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier, or one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity of that natural person. A data subject is any identified or identifiable natural person whose personal data is processed by the controller responsible for the processing. Processing refers to any operation or set of operations performed on personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organization, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure, or destruction. Restriction of processing is the marking of stored personal data with the aim of limiting its future processing. Profiling is any form of automated processing of personal data consisting of the use of personal data to evaluate certain personal aspects relating to a natural person, in particular to analyze or predict aspects concerning that natural person’s work performance, economic situation, health, personal preferences, interests, reliability, behavior, location, or movements. Pseudonymization is the processing of personal data in such a manner that the personal data can no longer be attributed to a specific data subject without the use of additional information, provided that such additional information is kept separately and is subject to technical and organizational measures ensuring that the personal data is not attributed to an identified or identifiable natural person. The controller or controller responsible for processing is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data. Where the purposes and means of such processing are determined by Union or Member State law, the controller or the specific criteria for its nomination may be provided for by Union or Member State law. A processor is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body that processes personal data on behalf of the controller. A recipient is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body to which personal data is disclosed, whether a third party or not. However, public authorities that may receive personal data in the framework of a particular inquiry under Union or Member State law shall not be regarded as recipients. A third party is a natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body other than the data subject, the controller, the processor, and persons who, under the direct authority of the controller or processor, are authorized to process personal data. Consent is any freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous indication of the data subject’s wishes by which they, by a statement or by a clear affirmative action, signify agreement to the processing of personal data relating to them.

The controller within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation, other applicable data protection laws in the Member States of the European Union, and other provisions with data protection-related character is the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Visitor and delivery address: Völklinger Strasse 49, 40221 Düsseldorf
Postal address: MKW, 40190 Düsseldorf
Phone: +49 (0)211/ 89604
Email: poststelle@mkw.nrw.de
Web: https://www.mkw.nrw

The MKW is one of the ministries of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is represented by Minister Ina Brandes, in legal and administrative matters by State Secretary Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert.

VAT ID according to § 27 a of the German VAT Act: DE 153 138 079

Responsible for content in accordance with § 55 Abs. 2 RStV is Susanne Düwel, Head of Division 424

THINK BEYOND UG | Email: info@kulturkenner.de

The websites of Kulturkenner use cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored and saved on a computer system through an internet browser.

Many websites and servers use cookies. Many cookies contain a so-called cookie ID. A cookie ID is a unique identifier of the cookie. It consists of a string through which websites and servers can assign the specific internet browser in which the cookie was stored. This allows visited websites and servers to distinguish the individual browser of the data subject from other internet browsers that contain other cookies. A specific internet browser can be recognized and identified through the unique cookie ID.

With the help of a cookie, the information and offers on our website can be optimized for the user. The data subject can prevent the setting of cookies through our website at any time by adjusting the settings of the internet browser used, thereby permanently objecting to the setting of cookies. Furthermore, already set cookies can be deleted at any time through an internet browser or other software programs. This is possible in all common internet browsers. If the data subject disables the setting of cookies in the internet browser used, it may not be possible to use all the functions of our website to their full extent.

The website of Kulturkenner collects a series of general data and information with each access of the website by a data subject or an automated system. This general data and information are stored in the server log files. The following may be collected: (1) the types and versions of browsers used, (2) the operating system used by the accessing system, (3) the website from which an accessing system arrives at our website (so-called referrer), (4) the sub-websites that are accessed through an accessing system on our website, (5) the date and time of access to the website, (6) an internet protocol address (IP address), (7) the internet service provider of the accessing system, and (8) other similar data and information that serve to avert dangers in the event of attacks on our information technology systems.

When using this general data and information, Kulturkenner does not draw conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is needed to (1) correctly deliver the content of our website, (2) optimize the content of our website and the advertisements for it, (3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website, and (4) provide law enforcement authorities with the necessary information for law enforcement in the event of a cyberattack. These anonymized data and information are therefore evaluated statistically and further with the aim of improving data protection and data security in our company, ultimately ensuring an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymized data from the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.

The controller processes and stores personal data of the data subject only for the period necessary to achieve the purpose of storage, or if required by European law or other legislation to which the controller is subject. If the purpose of storage is no longer applicable or the storage period prescribed by the European legislator or any other competent legislator expires, personal data will be routinely blocked or deleted in accordance with legal requirements.

Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning them are being processed. If a data subject wishes to exercise this right, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to receive, at any time, free of charge, information about the personal data stored about them and a copy of this information. Furthermore, the European legislator has granted the data subject the right to information about the following:

• the purposes of processing
• the categories of personal data being processed
• the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, particularly recipients in third countries or international organizations
• if possible, the planned duration for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not possible, the criteria used to determine this duration, the existence of the right to rectification or deletion of personal data, or restriction of processing by the controller, or an objection right against such processing
• the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
• if the personal data have not been collected from the data subject: all available information on the origin of the data
• the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, according to Article 22(1) and (4) GDPR and — at least in such cases — meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the scope and intended effects of such processing for the data subject

Furthermore, the data subject has the right to be informed whether personal data have been transferred to a third country or an international organization. If this is the case, the data subject has the right to obtain information about the appropriate safeguards relating to the transfer.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right of access, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to request the immediate rectification of incorrect personal data concerning them. Furthermore, the data subject has the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data — including by means of a supplementary statement — considering the purposes of processing.

If a data subject wishes to exercise this right to rectification, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to request the controller to erase personal data concerning them immediately if one of the following reasons applies, and if processing is not required:

• The personal data were collected for such purposes or otherwise processed, for which they are no longer necessary.
• The data subject withdraws their consent on which processing is based according to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for processing.
• The data subject objects to processing according to Art. 21(1) GDPR, and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or the data subject objects to processing according to Art. 21(2) GDPR.
• The personal data have been processed unlawfully.
• The erasure of the personal data is necessary to comply with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
• The personal data were collected in relation to services offered by the information society according to Art. 8(1) GDPR.

If one of the above reasons applies, and a data subject wants to initiate the deletion of personal data stored by the data controller, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee will ensure that the deletion request is promptly followed.

If the personal data have been made public by the controller and the company is obligated to delete the personal data according to Art. 17(1) GDPR, the controller will take reasonable steps, considering available technology and implementation costs, including technical measures, to inform other controllers who process the published personal data that the data subject has requested the deletion of all links to these personal data or copies or replications of these personal data, as long as processing is not required. The controller will take necessary actions on a case-by-case basis. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to request the restriction of processing from the controller if one of the following conditions is met:

• The accuracy of the personal data is contested by the data subject, for a period that allows the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data.
• The processing is unlawful, the data subject opposes the deletion of the personal data and requests instead the restriction of the use of the personal data.
• The controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but the data subject requires it for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
• The data subject has objected to processing according to Art. 21(1) GDPR, and it has not yet been determined whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override those of the data subject.

If one of the above conditions is met, and a data subject wishes to request the restriction of personal data stored by the controller, they can contact an employee of the controller at any time. The employee will initiate the restriction of processing. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to receive their personal data, which were provided to a controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. They also have the right to transmit this data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data were provided, provided that the processing is based on consent according to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract according to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR, and the processing is carried out by automated means, unless the processing is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.

Furthermore, the data subject has the right, when exercising their right to data portability under Art. 20(1) GDPR, to request that their personal data be transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible, and provided that this does not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

To exercise the right to data portability, the data subject can contact an employee of the controller at any time. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to object, on grounds relating to their particular situation, at any time to the processing of their personal data, which is based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR. This also applies to profiling based on these provisions.

The controller will no longer process the personal data in the event of an objection, unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override the interests, rights, and freedoms of the data subject, or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.

To exercise the right to object, the data subject can contact any employee of the controller or another employee directly. Furthermore, the data subject is free to exercise their right to object in connection with the use of information society services, notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC, through automated procedures using technical specifications. Every data subject has the right granted by the European legislator to withdraw their consent to the processing of personal data at any time.

The data controller has integrated components of the company Facebook on this website. Facebook is a social network.

A social network is an online social meeting point, an online community that typically allows users to communicate with each other and interact in the virtual space. A social network can serve as a platform for exchanging opinions and experiences or allows the internet community to provide personal or business-related information. Facebook allows users of the social network, among other things, to create private profiles, upload photos, and connect through friend requests.

The operating company of Facebook is Facebook, Inc., 1 Hacker Way, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. The data controller for processing personal data is, if the data subject lives outside the USA or Canada, Facebook Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

Every time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the data controller, is accessed and where a Facebook component (Facebook plug-in) has been integrated, the internet browser on the affected person's IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Facebook component to download a representation of the corresponding Facebook component from Facebook. An overview of all Facebook plug-ins can be obtained at https://developers.facebook.com/docs/plugins/?locale=de_DE. As part of this technical procedure, Facebook becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website the affected person is visiting.

If the affected person is logged in to Facebook at the same time, Facebook recognizes with every visit to our website by the affected person, and during the entire duration of their stay on our website, which specific subpage of our website the affected person is visiting. This information is collected by the Facebook component and assigned to the respective Facebook account of the affected person. If the affected person clicks one of the integrated Facebook buttons on our website, such as the "Like" button or leaves a comment, Facebook assigns this information to the personal Facebook user account of the affected person and stores this personal data.

Facebook always receives information through the Facebook component that the affected person has visited our website, if the affected person is logged in to Facebook at the time of accessing our website; this occurs regardless of whether the affected person clicks on the Facebook component or not. If such transmission of information to Facebook is not desired by the affected person, the transmission can be prevented by logging out of their Facebook account before accessing our website.

The privacy policy published by Facebook, which can be accessed at https://de-de.facebook.com/about/privacy, provides information on the collection, processing, and use of personal data by Facebook. It also explains what settings Facebook offers to protect the privacy of the affected person. Additionally, there are various applications available that allow the suppression of data transmission to Facebook. Such applications can be used by the affected person to suppress the transmission of data to Facebook.

We use Piwik Core by Piwik PRO GmbH, Kurfürstendamm 21, 10719 Berlin, on our website. We use Piwik without setting cookies and without setting a session ID. Every event that is not considered personal data is tracked. This method cannot identify individuals, and the combination of collected data cannot point to a single session. This method of tracking is very limited and does not require consent, as browser fingerprinting is disabled, geolocation is based on an anonymized IP address, or is completely disabled. Session identifiers and visitor recognition are disabled. No visitor data is stored, and each event is recorded separately. For Piwik's privacy policy, visit: https://piwikpro.de/datenschutz/

Our website uses plugins from "Spotify," an audio streaming platform operated by Spotify AB, Birger Jarlsgatan 61, 113 56 Stockholm, Sweden. An overview of Spotify plugins can be found at: developer.spotify.com We use Spotify by embedding individual audio files, albums, or playlists from the platform on our website as an iframe, so they can be played directly on our website as a stream. If you visit a subpage of our website where a Spotify plugin is embedded, a connection to the Spotify servers is established, and the plugin is displayed within our website. This transmits to Spotify which website you have visited. Your IP address may also be transmitted to Spotify. If you play an embedded audio file, album, or playlist, this information will also be passed on to Spotify. If you are logged in as a Spotify user, Spotify will assign this data to your user account. If you do not wish for Spotify to associate your visit to our pages with your Spotify user account, please log out of your Spotify user account. More information about Spotify's privacy policy can be found at https://www.spotify.com/de/legal/privacy-policy/

The processing is carried out to be able to embed playable audio files, albums, or playlists from Spotify on our website.

The processing is necessary for the legitimate interests pursued by the controller (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR). Our legitimate interest lies in the purpose mentioned in Section 18.2.

By using the Spotify service, personal data may be transmitted to Spotify AB, Birger Jarlsgatan 61, 113 56 Stockholm, Sweden.

Our pages may integrate plugins from the social network SoundCloud (SoundCloud Limited, Berners House, 47-48 Berners Street, London W1T 3NF, UK). You can recognize the SoundCloud plugins by the SoundCloud logo on the affected pages.

When you visit our pages, a direct connection between your browser and the SoundCloud server is established after activating the plugin. This allows SoundCloud to know that you have visited our site with your IP address. If you click the "Like" or "Share" button while logged into your SoundCloud user account, you can link and/or share content from our pages with your SoundCloud profile. This enables SoundCloud to associate your visit to our pages with your user account. We would like to point out that as the site provider, we have no knowledge of the content of the transmitted data or its use by SoundCloud. Further information can be found in SoundCloud's privacy policy at: https://soundcloud.com/pages/privacy.

If you do not want SoundCloud to associate your visit to our pages with your SoundCloud user account, please log out of your SoundCloud user account before activating the SoundCloud plugin.

The data controller has integrated components of Twitter on this website. Twitter is a multilingual publicly accessible microblogging service where users can publish and spread "tweets," short messages limited to 140 characters. These short messages are accessible to everyone, even to those not registered on Twitter. The tweets are also shown to the so-called followers of the respective user. Followers are other Twitter users who follow the tweets of a user. Furthermore, Twitter allows addressing a wide audience through hashtags, links, or retweets.

The operating company of Twitter is Twitter, Inc., 1355 Market Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.

Every time one of the individual pages of this website, operated by the data controller, is accessed and where a Twitter component (Twitter button) has been integrated, the internet browser on the affected person's IT system is automatically prompted by the respective Twitter component to download a representation of the corresponding Twitter component from Twitter. Further information on the Twitter buttons can be found at https://about.twitter.com/de/resources/buttons. As part of this technical process, Twitter becomes aware of which specific subpage of our website the affected person is visiting. The purpose of integrating the Twitter component is to enable our users to share the content of this website and increase the visibility of this website in the digital world and increase our visitor numbers.

If the affected person is logged into Twitter at the same time, Twitter recognizes with every visit to our website by the affected person, and during the entire duration of their stay on our website, which specific subpage of our website the affected person is visiting. This information is collected by the Twitter component and assigned to the respective Twitter account of the affected person. If the affected person clicks one of the Twitter buttons integrated on our website, the transmitted data and information are assigned to the personal Twitter user account of the affected person and stored and processed by Twitter.

Twitter always receives information through the Twitter component that the affected person has visited our website, if the affected person is logged into Twitter at the time of accessing our website; this happens regardless of whether the affected person clicks on the Twitter component or not. If the affected person does not wish to transmit this information to Twitter, they can prevent the transmission by logging out of their Twitter account before accessing our website. The applicable privacy policies of Twitter can be found at https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=de.

On some of our websites, we embed YouTube videos. The operator of the relevant plugins is YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Ave., San Bruno, CA 94066, USA. When you visit a page with the YouTube plugin, a connection to YouTube's servers is established. This informs YouTube of which pages you are visiting. If you are logged into your YouTube account, YouTube can assign your browsing behavior to you personally. You can prevent this by logging out of your YouTube account beforehand.

When a YouTube video is started, the provider uses cookies that collect information about user behavior.

If you have disabled the storage of cookies for the Google Ad program, you will not have to worry about such cookies while watching YouTube videos. However, YouTube also stores non-personal usage information in other cookies. If you want to prevent this, you must block the storage of cookies in your browser.

For more information about data protection on "YouTube," you can refer to the provider's privacy policy at: https://www.google.de/intl/de/policies/privacy.

To keep up to date with our products, promotions, and innovations, you have the option to subscribe to our regular newsletter for free via our website. A valid email address is required so we can send you the newsletter. Further information can be provided voluntarily. It is your decision whether you want to enter this data in the registration form.

Data processing for the purpose of delivering newsletters is carried out in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) GDPR based on your voluntarily given consent.

The personal data collected for the use of the newsletter function will be automatically deleted when you unsubscribe from our newsletter.

This website uses the Google Maps API to visually display geographic information. When using Google Maps, Google collects, processes, and uses data about the use of the map features by visitors. More information about data processing by Google can be found in the Google privacy notice. There, you can also change your personal privacy settings in the Privacy Center.

Detailed instructions on managing your data in relation to Google products can be found here.

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR serves as the legal basis for processing operations where we obtain consent for a specific processing purpose. If the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a contract in which the data subject is a party, the processing is based on Article 6(1)(b) GDPR.

The criterion for the duration of personal data storage is the respective statutory retention period. After the retention period expires, the relevant data is routinely deleted unless it is no longer necessary for contract fulfillment or contract initiation.

Kulturkenner allows the incorporation of Kulturkenner texts into databases that are intended solely for the private use of a user. The incorporation and use of the data for other purposes requires written consent from MKW.