1. Introduction
We take the protection of your personal data very seriously. This privacy policy explains what data we collect when you use our website, how we use it, and what rights you have under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
2. Data Controller
Website Operator:
Thomas Eßmeyer
Contact Email:
mildner[at]uni-bremen.de
3. What Data We Collect and Why
a) Server Logs
When you visit our website, certain technical data is automatically collected by our hosting provider:
- IP address
- Date and time of access
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referrer URL
This information is used for security and technical maintenance purposes and is automatically deleted after a short period.
Legal basis: Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interest).
b) Contact Forms (WPForms Lite)
If you contact us using a form on our website, we collect:
- Email address
- Any information you include in your message
This data is used solely to respond to your inquiry and is not shared with third parties.
Legal basis: Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (contract or pre-contractual measures).
c) Cookies
Our website uses cookies to enhance user experience and functionality. These include cookies used by plugins such as:
- TOP Table Of Contents (remembers user preferences for collapsed/expanded content)
- WP Carousel (manages transitions and image display)
No cookies are used to track personal information without your explicit consent.
You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings.
d) Plugins and Tools in Use
Duplicator
Used for website backups and migration. This plugin does not collect visitor data, but backup files may include stored content (including form entries if applicable).
Site Assistant
Assists in setting up and managing WordPress features. No visitor data is collected.
TOP Table Of Contents
Improves readability by automatically generating tables of contents. Does not collect personal data.
WP Carousel
Used to create image or content carousels. Does not collect personal data.
WPForms Lite
Processes contact form submissions. Data is stored only if form storage is enabled (by default, it is not). Email addresses and messages may be stored temporarily to respond to inquiries.
4. Embedded Content
Embedded Content
a) YouTube Videos (Click-to-Load)
Our website may include embedded content, such as YouTube videos. To ensure GDPR compliance:
Embedded YouTube content is not loaded automatically. Instead, a placeholder is shown. Only after users actively click to load the video is a connection established with YouTube’s servers.
Upon activation, the following data may be transmitted to YouTube (Google Ireland Limited):
- IP address
- Browser and device information
- Possibly a cookie for user tracking
Legal basis: Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent)
You can revoke this consent at any time by reloading the page or adjusting cookie settings in your browser.
5. Data Sharing and Transfers
We do not share your data with third parties unless:
- Required by law
- You have given explicit consent
- It is necessary to provide a specific service (e.g. contact form replies via email)
We do not transfer personal data outside the EU unless explicitly stated.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose it was collected for or as required by law.
- Contact form submissions: up to 6 months, unless otherwise specified
- Server logs: typically deleted within 30 days
7. Your Rights Under the GDPR
You have the following rights:
- Right of access (Art. 15 GDPR)
- Right to rectification (Art. 16 GDPR)
- Right to erasure (Art. 17 GDPR)
- Right to restriction of processing (Art. 18 GDPR)
- Right to data portability (Art. 20 GDPR)
- Right to object to processing (Art. 21 GDPR)
- Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (Art. 77 GDPR)
To exercise your rights, contact us at: Insert contact email
8. SSL Encryption
Our website uses SSL encryption (https) to protect data transmitted between your browser and our server.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in laws or services.
Last updated: July 9, 2025