Privacy policy
We appreciate your interest in our website. Protecting your personal data is an important concern for us. We comply with the legal provisions on data protection and data security.
In particular, we are subject to the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Federal Data Protection Act in its version applicable since May 25, 2018 (BDSG), and the Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act (TTDSG). Accordingly, we are specifically authorized to collect and use personal data to the extent necessary to enable you to use our online offerings at www.ruhrgames.de, including all services and functions contained therein.
Below, you will find information about which personal data we collect when you use our website and the services and functions contained therein, and how we use this data for what purposes.
I.) Name and Address of the Controller
The controller 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 regulations, is:
Regional Association Ruhr (RVR)
Kronprinzenstraße 6
45128 Essen
Phone: +49 (0)201 2069-0
Website: www.rvr.ruhr
II.) Name and Address of the Data Protection Officer
The data protection officer of the controller can be reached at datenschutz@rvr.ruhr or the above postal address with the addition "Data Protection Officer".
III.) General Information on Data Processing
1. Scope of Processing Personal Data
We process the personal data of our users only to the extent necessary to provide a functional website as well as our content and services. The processing of personal data of our users is carried out regularly only after obtaining the user's consent. An exception applies in cases where obtaining prior consent is not possible for factual reasons, and the processing of data is permitted by legal provisions.
2. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data
If we obtain the consent of the data subject for processing operations involving personal data, Article 6(1)(a) of the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.
When processing personal data necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Article 6(1)(b) GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations required for the implementation of pre-contractual measures.
If the processing of personal data is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which our organization is subject, Article 6(1)(c) GDPR serves as the legal basis.
In cases where vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Article 6(1)(d) GDPR serves as the legal basis.
If the processing of personal data 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, Article 6(1)(e), Paragraph 3 GDPR in conjunction with Section 3 DSG NRW serves as the legal basis.
If the processing is necessary to protect a legitimate interest of our organization or a third party, and the interests, fundamental rights, and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh this legitimate interest, Article 6(1)(f) GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.
3. Data Deletion and Storage Duration
The personal data of the data subject will be deleted or blocked as soon as the purpose of the storage ceases to apply. Further storage may occur if this is provided for by European or national legislators in EU regulations, laws, or other provisions to which the controller is subject. Blocking or deletion of the data also occurs when a storage period prescribed by the mentioned regulations expires, unless there is a necessity for further storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.
IV.) Provision of the Website and Creation of Log Files
1. Description and Scope of Data Processing
Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing device.
The following data is collected:
- IP address
- Date and time of the request
- Time zone difference to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
- Content of the request (specific page)
- Access status/HTTP status code
- Amount of data transmitted in each case
- Website from which the request originates
- Browser
- Operating system and its interface
- Language and version of the browser software
This data cannot be assigned to specific individuals. We do not combine this data with other data sources.
The legal basis for the temporary storage of the data is Article 6(1)(f), (e), (3) of the GDPR, and Section 3 DSG NRW.
2. Purpose of Data Processing
The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to deliver the website to the user's computer. For this purpose, the user's IP address must be stored for the duration of the session. Storage also ensures the functionality of the website. Additionally, the data helps us optimize the website and maintain the security of our IT systems. The data is not analyzed for marketing purposes in this context.
These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing under Article 6(1)(f) of the GDPR.
3. Duration of Storage
The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For data collected to provide the website, this is the case when the respective session ends. Beyond this, the data is deleted no later than seven days after collection. Extended storage is possible, in which case the users' IP addresses are deleted or anonymized so that assignment to the accessing client is no longer possible.
4. Objection and Removal Options
The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is essential for the operation of the website. Consequently, users have no option to object.
V.) Use of Cookies
1. Description and Scope of Data Processing
In addition to the aforementioned data, cookies are stored on your computer when you use this website. Cookies are small text files stored on your hard drive that are associated with the browser you are using and allow us to receive certain information. Cookies cannot execute programs or transmit viruses to your computer. They serve to make the internet offering overall more user-friendly and efficient. This website currently uses only technically necessary cookies, so we do not implement a consent management tool or cookie banner.
2. Legal Basis for Data Processing
The legal basis for processing personal data using cookies is Article 6(1)(a), (c), (e), (3), and (f) of the GDPR, as well as Section 3 DSG NRW (where applicable).
3. Purpose of Data Processing
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. Additionally, we must use cookies to fulfill our legal obligations or accountability under the GDPR. For this, it is necessary that the browser can be recognized again after a page change. The user data collected through technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles. The use of analysis cookies is for the purpose of improving the quality of our website and its content. They are only set with the user’s consent (Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. a GDPR). Through analysis cookies, we learn how the website is used and can continuously optimize our offerings. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data under Art. 6 para. 1 sentence 1 lit. f GDPR.
d) Duration of Storage, Objection, and Removal Options
Cookies are stored on the user’s computer and transmitted to our site. Therefore, you, as a user, have full control over the use of cookies. Cookies that have already been stored can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically.
VI. E-Mail Contact
1) Description and Scope of Data Processing
Our website allows for contact via the provided email address (ruhrgames@rvr.ruhr). In this case, the user’s personal data transmitted with the email will be stored.
In this context, the data will not be disclosed to third parties. The data is used exclusively for processing the conversation.
2) Legal Basis for Data Processing
The legal basis for processing the data is your consent under Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
If the email contact aims at concluding a contract, an additional legal basis for processing is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR.
3) Purpose of Data Processing
In the case of email contact, the processing of data serves to handle your inquiry.
Other personal data processed during the sending process serve to prevent misuse and ensure the security of our IT systems.
4) Duration of Storage
Data is deleted as soon as it is no longer necessary for the purpose for which it was collected. For personal data transmitted by email, this occurs when the conversation with the user has ended. The conversation is considered ended when it can be inferred from the circumstances that the relevant matter has been conclusively resolved.
5) Objection and Removal Options
The user can revoke their consent to the processing of personal data at any time. If the user contacts us via email, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. In such a case, the conversation cannot be continued.
All personal data stored in the course of the contact will be deleted in this case.
VII. Web Analysis by Matomo
1. Scope of Processing Personal Data
We use the open-source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) on our website to analyze user surfing behavior. In our configuration, no cookies (as described above) are set on users’ devices. The recognition of returning users is achieved through a so-called "digital fingerprint," which is stored anonymously and changes every 24 hours. The "digital fingerprint" records user movements within our online offering using pseudonymized IP addresses combined with user browser settings, making it impossible to identify individual users.
When individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored using the "digital fingerprint":
- Two bytes of the IP address of the user’s system
- The accessed webpage
- The website from which the user accessed the current webpage (referrer)
- The subpages accessed from the current webpage
- The time spent on the website
- The frequency of website access
The software runs exclusively on our website’s servers. The users’ personal data is only stored there. No data is shared with third parties. The software is configured to not store full IP addresses but to mask 2 bytes of the IP address (e.g., 192.168.xxx.xxx). This way, the shortened IP address cannot be linked to the accessing device.
2. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data
The legal basis for processing users’ personal data is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
3. Purpose of Data Processing
Processing users’ personal data allows us to analyze their surfing behavior. By evaluating the data, we can gather insights about the usage of individual components of our website. This helps us improve our website and its user-friendliness. These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in processing data under Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. By anonymizing the IP address, the users’ interest in protecting their personal data is adequately addressed.
4. Duration of Storage
The data is deleted after the specified timeframes or when it is no longer needed for our recording purposes.
5. Objection and Removal Options
For more information on the privacy settings of the Matomo software, please visit the following link: https://matomo.org/docs/privacy/.
Please note your rights to correction, deletion, and objection under Articles 16, 17, and 21 GDPR; further details are in Chapter VIII.
Matomo settings
VIII.) Rights of the Data Subject
If your personal data is being processed, you are considered a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR, and you are entitled to the following rights against the controller:
1) Right to Information
You have the right to request confirmation from the controller as to whether your personal data is being processed by us.
If such processing exists, you can request information about the following from the controller:
(1) the purposes for which the personal data is being processed;
(2) the categories of personal data being processed;
(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom your personal data has been or will be disclosed;
(4) the planned duration of the storage of your personal data, or if specific information is not possible, the criteria used to determine the storage period;
(5) the existence of a right to rectification or deletion of your personal data, the right to restrict processing by the controller, or the right to object to such processing;
(6) the existence of a right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
(7) all available information about the source of the data if the personal data was not collected from the data subject;
(8) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, in accordance with Article 22(1) and (4) of the GDPR, and, at least in these cases, meaningful information about the logic involved as well as the significance and the expected consequences of such processing for the data subject.
You also have the right to be informed whether your personal data is transferred to a third country or an international organization. In this context, you may request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards in accordance with Article 46 of the GDPR related to the transfer.
2) Right to Rectification
You have the right to request rectification and/or completion from the controller if the personal data processed concerning you is inaccurate or incomplete. The controller must make the correction without delay.
3) Right to Restriction of Processing
You may request the restriction of the processing of your personal data under the following conditions:
(1) if you contest the accuracy of your personal data for a period that allows the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
(2) if the processing is unlawful and you oppose the deletion of the personal data and instead request the restriction of its use;
(3) if the controller no longer needs the personal data for the purposes of processing, but you need it to assert, exercise, or defend legal claims; or
(4) if you have objected to the processing pursuant to Article 21(1) of the GDPR and it is not yet clear whether the legitimate reasons of the controller override your reasons.
If the processing of your personal data has been restricted, such data—apart from storage—may only be processed with your consent or for the assertion, exercise, or defense of legal claims, or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person, or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or a Member State.
If the processing restriction has been implemented under the aforementioned conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.
4) Right to Erasure
a) Obligation to Erase
You have the right to demand from the controller that personal data concerning you be deleted without undue delay, and the controller is obliged to erase this data immediately if one of the following reasons applies:
(1) The personal data concerning you is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed.
(2) You withdraw your consent on which the processing is based according to Art. 6(1)(a) or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR, and there is no other legal basis for the processing.
(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(1) GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21(2) GDPR.
(4) The personal data concerning you has been unlawfully processed.
(5) The erasure of personal data concerning you is required to fulfill a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
(6) The personal data concerning you was collected in relation to the offer of information society services pursuant to Art. 8(1) GDPR.
b) Notification to Third Parties
If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged pursuant to Art. 17(1) GDPR to erase it, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers processing the personal data that you, as the data subject, have requested the erasure of any links to, or copies or replication of, those personal data.
c) Exceptions
The right to erasure does not apply to the extent that processing is necessary
(1) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
(2) to comply 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;
(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Art. 9(2)(h) and (i) and Art. 9(3) GDPR;
(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes in accordance with Art. 89(1) GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section (a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing; or
(5) for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
5) Right to Notification
If you have asserted the right to rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing against the controller, the controller is obliged to communicate this rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing to all recipients to whom the personal data concerning you was disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.
You have the right to be informed by the controller about these recipients.
6) Right to Data Portability
You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to whom the personal data was provided, as long as
(1) processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or Art. 9(2)(a) GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR, and
(2) processing is carried out using automated procedures.
In exercising this right, you also have the right to have personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. The rights and freedoms of others must not be adversely affected by this.
The right to data portability does 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.
7) Right to Object
You have the right to object at any time, on grounds relating to your particular situation, to the processing of personal data concerning you, based on Art. 6(1)(e) or (f) GDPR; this also applies to profiling based on these provisions.
The controller will no longer process personal data concerning you unless they can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for the processing that override your interests, rights, and freedoms, or the processing is for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
If personal data concerning you is processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to the processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing; this also applies to profiling related to such direct marketing.
If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, personal data concerning you will no longer be processed for these purposes.
You have the option, in the context of using information society services – notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC – to exercise your right to object using automated means with technical specifications.
8) Right to Withdraw Consent
You have the right to withdraw your consent under data protection law at any time. The withdrawal of consent does not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
9) Automated Individual Decision-Making, Including Profiling
You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing – including profiling – that produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you. This does not apply if the decision
(1) is necessary for entering into or performing a contract between you and the controller,
(2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, or
(3) is based on your explicit consent.
However, such decisions must not be based on special categories of personal data under Art. 9(1) GDPR, unless Art. 9(2)(a) or (g) GDPR applies and suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests are in place.
In the cases referred to in (1) and (3), the controller will implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests, at least including the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view, and to contest the decision.
10) Right to Lodge a Complaint with 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 habitual residence, place of work, or the place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data relating to you infringes the GDPR.
The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged will inform the complainant of the progress and outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Art. 78 GDPR.
XI.) Changes to this Privacy Policy
The further development of the Internet and our online offerings may also affect the handling of personal data. We therefore reserve the right to amend this privacy policy in the future in accordance with applicable data protection laws and to adapt it to changes in data processing. The current version of the privacy policy is always available under the "Privacy" or "Privacy Policy" section.