Privacy Policy for Our Social Media Pages

We are pleased that you are visiting a social media page operated by pv magazine group GmbH & Co. KG (pv magazine group). The pv magazine group operates its own social media pages in collaboration with the operators of the respective social media platforms. We would therefore like to inform you below, in accordance with Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), about how we handle your data and your resulting rights.  

1.     Responsible

We, the pv magazine group, operate the following social media pages. You can send contact requests via email to dataprivacy@pv-magazine.com. 

  1. Apple Podcasts 
  1. Facebook 
  • USA: https://www.facebook.com/pvmagazineusa 
  1. LinkedIn 
  • ESS News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ess-news/ 
  1. Podigee 
  1. Soundcloud 
  1. Spotify 
  1.  X 
  • Spain: https://x.com/pvmagespana 
  • France: https://x.com/pvmagfrance 
  1. YouTube 
  • Global: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm7yeii8VfSPzZ3TWHdbFCw? 
  1. Google Podcasts 
  1. Instagram 

In addition to us, the respective operator of the social media platform (hereinafter referred to as the “Provider”) is also responsible for data processing on our social media page. Specifically, these are: 

  • Apple: Apple Distribution International Ltd. Hollyhill Industrial Estate Hollyhill, Ireland  
  • Facebook: Facebook Ireland Limited, 4 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2, Ireland 
  • Google: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland 
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2 Ireland; f you are located within the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland. 
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn Corporation, 1000 W. Maude Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94085, USA; if you are located outside the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. 
  • Podigee: Podigee GmbH, Schlesische Straße 20, Berlin, Germany 
  • Soundcloud: SoundCloud Limited, Rheinsberger Str. 76/77, 10115 Berlin, Germany 
  • Spotify: Spotify AB, Birger Jarlsgatan 61, 113 56 Stockholm, Sweden 
  • X: X Internet Unlimited Company, One Cumberland Place, Fenian Street, Dublin 2, D02 AX07, Ireland 
  • YouTube: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland 

You can find the contact information for the respective data protection officers in the privacy policies of the respective Providers. 

2.     General Information About Social Media Platforms 

Please note that you use our social media pages and their features, as well as the social media platforms themselves, at your own risk. This applies in particular to the use of interactive features (e.g., liking, following, commenting, sharing, rating). For more information on usage, please refer to the terms of service and privacy policies of the respective Providers. 

We expressly draw your attention to the fact that the Providers may store data from registered users (henceforth referred to as “Users”) and other interested visitors to the social media platform (henceforth also referred to as “Users”) – such as personal information, IP addresses, cookies, etc. – even outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), and use it for their own business purposes.  

We generally have no influence over the collection of data and its further use by the Provider – meaning, the extent to which, the location where, and the duration for which the data is stored; the extent to which the Providers comply with existing deletion obligations; the analyses and linkages performed on the data; and to whom the data is disclosed – which are neither discernible to us nor within our control. Therefore, we ask that you carefully review what personal data you disclose on social media platforms as a User.  

If you wish to learn more about our company without using a social media platform, you can alternatively view much of the information offered on our social media pages on our website at https://www.pv-magazine.com.  

In some cases, you can use our social media pages without registering on the respective social media platform. However, we would like to point out that even if you use the social media platform without registering, personal data may still be processed. 

3.     Nature, scope, purposes, and legal basis of data processing 

Wir betreiben unsere Social-Media-Seite, um Nutzer und Besucher über unser Unternehmen zu informieren sowie um uns mit diesen auszutauschen. Die Verarbeitung Ihrer Daten erfolgt dabei, sofern nachfolgend nicht abweichend beschrieben, auf Grundlage unserer berechtigten Interessen (Artikel 6 Absatz 1 Buchstabe f) DSGVO) an dem wirtschaftlichen Betrieb, der Optimierung und der Nutzungsanalyse unserer Social-Media-Seiten sowie um darüber mit Ihnen als Nutzer/Besucher zu kommunizieren und Werbeaktivitäten auf den Social-Media-Plattformen durchzuführen.

Nachfolgend erhalten Sie einen Überblick über Art, Umfang, Zwecke und ggf. spezifische Rechtsgrundlagen der Datenverarbeitung im Rahmen der Nutzung unserer Social-Media-Seite.

3.1.   Usage analysis

In connection with the operation of our social media pages, we use the “Insights” or “Analytics” feature of the respective social media platform, through which the Providers supply us with statistical data on the use of our social media pages. This data is anonymous to us, meaning that we cannot view the personal data of individual Users. We do not know in detail which data the Providers use for usage analysis in connection with our social media pages.

  • We do not receive any analytics from Apple Podcasts, as we do not have our own account. Our podcast is published on Apple Podcasts solely via SoundCloud. From SoundCloud, we receive aggregated data specifically regarding the following areas: reach (impressions, page views, unique users, visits to subpages), audience (demographic/geographic information), interaction (reactions, click-through rate, likes, shares, comments, (link) clicks, engagement rate).    
  • From Facebook, we receive aggregated data specifically regarding the following areas: activities (e.g., interactions such as profile visits and website clicks, or the number of people viewing content and where they find it), content (analyses of posts, Stories, and promotions), and audience (demographic information on subscribers and other visitors). 
  • We do not receive analytics from Google Podcasts because we do not have our own account. Our podcast is published on Google Podcasts solely via SoundCloud.  
  • From LinkedIn, we receive aggregated data specifically on the following areas: reach (impressions, page views, unique users, visits to subpages), target audience (demographic/geographic information), interaction (reactions, click-through rate, likes, shares, comments, (link) clicks, engagement rate).  
  • From Podigee, we receive aggregated data specifically regarding the following areas: number of downloads, comment content (if a post is commented on, we receive the data provided by the person themselves, such as name or nickname and the content of the comment).   

In addition, our podcast partners (a company, or other organization that provides financial support for the podcast or carries out marketing activities)  also receive anonymous reports. The report is also compiled from aggregated SoundCloud data. Our podcast partners receive a link to the podcast episode, the number of plays and downloads of the episode on the respective platforms (SoundCloud, iTunes, etc.), as well as the number of likes over a specific period. This also includes an overview of plays via websites, RSS, and third-party apps, as well as the top 3 countries and cities by number of plays. 

  • We do not receive analytics from Spotify because we do not have our own account. Our podcast is published on Spotify solely via Podigee.  
  • From X, we receive aggregated data specifically regarding the following areas: reach (e.g., active viewers, video thumbnail impressions), interactions (e.g., clicks, shares), and audience (e.g., demographic/geographic information, previously visited pages or videos, viewer engagement).  
  • From YouTube, we receive aggregated data specifically regarding the following areas: number of impressions, profile visits, and followers (including growth and trends over time). 

3.2.  Cookies

Providers use cookies and cookie-like technologies – typically small files stored on your device (hereinafter collectively referred to as “cookies”) – to, among other things, offer you a wide range of features, make your experience more convenient, and optimize their services. The data collected via cookies is stored and processed directly by the Provider. We ourselves have no access to this data and no influence over how the Provider uses it.    

The information obtained via cookies may be used by the Provider within the social media platform, as well as in other Provider services and in third-party services that utilize the Provider’s services, to create User profiles for market research and advertising purposes. In particular, your usage behavior and the resulting interests are taken into account. In this context, the Provider may, for example, allow partners or even third parties to use this data to display advertisements both within and outside the social media platform. If you use the social media platform on multiple devices, data collection and analysis may also occur across devices, particularly when you are logged in as a User. 

For more information on the type, scope, purposes, legal basis, and opt-out options regarding the use of cookies by the respective Provider, please refer to the cookie policies of the respective social media platform.  

If you do not wish to use cookies and/or cookie-like technologies, you can also prevent their storage on your device by adjusting the settings on your device and/or internet browser, or by using separate opt-out options. Please note that this may limit the functionality and scope of our social media pages. 

3.3.  Direct contact

If you contact us directly via our social media pages (e.g., via private message, Messenger, or a pre-filled form), the data you provide (e.g., name, email address) will be processed solely for the specific purpose of receiving and, if applicable, responding to your customer or prospective customer inquiry. We do not transfer this data to our internal systems.   

Insofar as the initiation of a contractual relationship is concerned, the processing of data transmitted in the context of direct contact via the respective social media platform is based on Article 6(1)(b) of the GDPR. To the extent that we ask for your consent to data processing (e.g., via a checkbox in connection with forms provided by us), the legal basis for data processing in this regard may be Article 6(1)(a) of the GDPR. 

Since we are not aware of the confidentiality of the information you provide when contacting the Provider directly, nor of how the Provider uses that information, please refrain from transmitting sensitive data or other confidential information – such as job application documents or bank or credit card details – through this channel. We recommend that you use a more secure method of transmission for this purpose. 

3.4.  Other User interactions 

In accordance with how social media platforms operate, we are able to learn about the Users who like our social media pages and posts, and who subscribe to, rate, comment on, or share them, provided that you have made your interaction on our social media platforms public and have not explicitly marked it as “private” via the settings of the respective social media platform.   

We analyze this information in aggregated form to provide our Users with more relevant content that may be of greater interest to them. The information obtained in this way does not allow for any identification of a natural person.  

In your respective social media profile, you as a User have the option, for example, to actively hide your “posts,” “tweets,” “rated videos,” “subscriptions,” “followers,” or other profile information, or to stop following the respective social media page or unsubscribe from it. You will then no longer appear in the list of followers or subscribers of that social media site. 

3.5.  Targeted advertising 

We are able to use demographic and geographic analyses of our target groups provided by the Provider to display targeted, interest-based advertisements on our social media page or to highlight our posts, without, however, obtaining direct knowledge of the identity of the User to whom the advertisements are displayed. In this case, the display of advertisements or the highlighting of posts on our social media page is based on an analysis of previous usage behavior by the Provider; however, we only have access to anonymized information that generally does not allow us to identify you personally and is never combined with any personal data we may have stored. 

3.6.  Recipients of personal data 

Internal: Within the pv magazine group, access is limited to those individuals who require it for the specific purposes stated.  

External: If a company commissions us to promote a product in an Instagram or LinkedIn post, we first label the post as a “Sponsored Post” to indicate that it is paid advertising. We then process the data collected as part of a sponsored post to generate an anonymous report (e.g., followers, post impressions, engaged users, reactions, clicks, engagement rate) on behalf of the client.    

We generally do not disclose personal data to external recipients outside the pv magazine group. Unless the data processing is necessary to handle or process your request, another legal basis exists, or we have your consent to do so. 

3.7.  Data processing in third countries 

Data processing by the respective Provider regularly takes place in third countries outside the EU or the EEA, such as the United States. For more information on data processing by the Provider of the respective social media platform, privacy settings, additional opt-out options, and agreements entered into pursuant to Article 26 of the GDPR, please refer to the Provider’s privacy policy: 

4.     Your rights as a data subject 

As a data subject whose personal data is being processed, you have the rights listed below. These rights are derived from the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation and are summarized here in a simplified form. 

4.1.    Right to information 

According to Article 15 GDPR, you have the right to request confirmation from us on whether personal data relating to you is being processed. If this is the case, you have a right to information about this personal data and the information specified in Article 15(1) and (2) GDPR information. This includes, in particular, the purpose of the processing, the categories of the processed data, the recipients to whom data have been or will be disclosed (as far as possible), the planned duration of storage, or the criteria for the duration of storage. 

4.2.  Right to rectification 

Pursuant to Article 16 GDPR, you have the right to demand that we immediately correct any incorrect personal data concerning you. Considering the processing purposes, you have the right to request the completion of incomplete personal data – also by means of a supplementary declaration. 

4.3.  Right to erasure 

According to Article 17 GDPR, you have the right to demand that personal data concerning you be deleted immediately. We are obligated to delete personal data immediately if one of the provisions of Article 17(1) GDPR applies. These reasons include, for example, that the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed. 

4.4.  Right to restricted processing 

According to Article 18 GDPR, you have the right to demand that we restrict processing if one of the conditions specified in Article 18 GDPR is met. This includes, for example, that you contest the accuracy of the personal data. If this is the case, then we are only allowed to process the data to a limited extent for as long as it takes to check the accuracy of that personal data. 

4.5.  Right to data portability  

According to Article 20 GDPR, you have the right to receive the personal data concerning you that you have provided to us in a structured, common, and machine-readable format. You have the right to transmit this data to another responsible entity – meaning another body that processes data – without hindrance, provided that the original processing was based on consent or was necessary for executing a contract. 

4.6.  Right to object 

Pursuant to Article 21 GDPR, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of your personal data if this data is processed based on Article 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR and there are supporting reasons based on your personal situation. You can object at any time to your data being processed to operate direct advertising. Personal data will then no longer be processed for this purpose. The right to object can be exercised by means of an informal declaration. A written statement or email to the above contact address is sufficient. 

4.7.  Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority 

Pursuant to Article 77 GDPR, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority – in particular in the member state of your place of residence, your place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement – without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, if you believe that processing your data violates this regulation. In the present case, the responsible supervisory authority is: 

Berlin Commissioner for Data Privacy and Freedom of Information (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit) 

Alt-Moabit 59-61, 10555 Berlin 

Entrance: Alt-Moabit 60 

Phone.: +49 (0)30 13889-0 

Email: mailbox@datenschutz-berlin.de 

We recommend that you direct requests for information and the exercise of other data subject rights relating to our social media page directly to the provider. This is because, as the operator of the social media platform, the provider alone has direct access to the necessary information and is able to take any necessary measures and provide information. Please refer to the privacy policy of the respective social media platform provider to find out how you can exercise your rights as a data subject vis-à-vis that provider. We also recommend that you regularly check the privacy settings on the social media platform.

5.     Data privacy officer

Our external data privacy officer will be happy to provide you with information on the subject of data privacy under the following contact details:  

Bitkom Servicegesellschaft mbH

Albrechtstraße 10, 10117 Berlin

Telefon: +49 30 27576-524

E-Mail: datenschutz@bitkom-consult.de

If you contact our data privacy officer, please indicate the responsible body named in the imprint. 

6.     Final provisions

pv magazine group GmbH & Co. KG reserves the right to adapt this data privacy declaration at any time to correspond to the current legal requirements or to implement changes to the services in the data privacy declaration (e.g., when introducing new services or changes to the website). The new data privacy policy will apply if you visit this website again.

As of: November 2022