Privacy Policy

1. Data Protection at a Glance

Protecting your personal data is a priority for UNITED VARS. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, process, use, and protect your information when you visit our website, register for services, or interact with us online. We process all data in strict accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and applicable German national laws.

2. Controller Information

The entity responsible for data processing on this website is:

UNITED VARS CLG
Balcke-Dürr-Allee 11
40882 Ratingen
Germany

Email: info@united-vars.com

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect information through three primary channels:

• Direct Input: Data you provide via contact forms, newsletter sign-ups, or registrations.
• Automated Collection: Technical data (IP address, browser type) recorded by our IT systems to ensure website stability.
• Third-Party Tools: Data collected via cookies and analytics tracking, subject to your explicit consent.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

In accordance with Art. 6(1) GDPR, we process data based on:

• Consent: (Art. 6(1)(a)) For newsletters and non-essential cookies.
• Contractual Necessity: (Art. 6(1)(b)) To fulfill requests or manage memberships.
• Legal Obligation: (Art. 6(1)(c)) To comply with tax or commercial laws.
• Legitimate Interests: (Art. 6(1)(f)) For website security and optimization.

5. Website Functionality & Communication

Server Log Files

Our hosting provider automatically collects information in "server log files"; including:

• Browser type/version and Operating System
• Referrer URL (the page you visited before ours)
• Hostname and IP address of the accessing computer
• Time of the server request

Contact Forms & Verification

If you reach out via our contact form, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your inquiry to process your request. To ensure the security of your data and prevent unauthorized use of your email address, we use a Double Opt-In (DOI) process. You will receive a verification email; your inquiry will only be processed once you confirm your request. This data is not shared with third parties without your explicit consent.

Newsletters

We use a double opt-in process for newsletter subscriptions.  After signing up, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription. You may withdraw your consent and stop receiving updates at any time by clicking the "Unsubscribe" link included in every email.

6. Cookies, Analytics, and Third-Party Tools

We use cookies to enhance your experience. While some are "technically necessary," others require your active consent via our Consent Management Provider (Cookie Banner).

Users can manage cookie preferences directly through their browser settings.

7. Data Security

To protect your data during transmission, we use state-of-the-art SSL/TLS encryption. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the "https://" in your browser address bar and the lock icon.

8. Your Statutory Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access & Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
• Correction & Erasure: Request the fixing of errors or the deletion of your data.
• Restriction & Objection: Limit how we process your data or object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Withdrawal of Consent: Revoke any consent previously given with future effect.

Right to Lodge a Complaint

If you believe our processing violates data protection laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority (e.g., the Landesbeauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit Nordrhein-Westfalen).

9. Objection to Promotional Emails

We hereby object to the use of contact data published in our Imprint/Legal Notice for the purpose of sending unsolicited advertising or information materials. We reserve the right to take legal action in the case of unsolicited promotional information, such as spam emails.