This Privacy Policy provides a clear overview of the personal data we collect when you visit our website, how it is processed, and your rights regarding this data.

1. Data Collection on Our Website

1.1 Server Log Files (Automatically Collected Data)

When you visit our website, certain technical data is automatically recorded in our server log files. This data is collected primarily to ensure system security and stability. The following information is logged:

• Called domain name
• IP address
• Date and time of the request
• Requested page/resource
• Server protocol used
• HTTP status code of the requested page
• Referring website (URL)
• Browser type, version, and operating system

This data is also used anonymously for web analytics purposes. We do not merge this data with other data sources. The legal basis for this processing is Article 6(1)(b) GDPR, which permits processing necessary for the performance of a contract or pre-contractual measures.

1.2 Voluntary Registration Data

Data that you actively and voluntarily provide upon registering on our website is processed based on your consent in accordance with Article 6(1)(a) GDPR, once you accept our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

When you register, we collect the following:

• Username/pseudonym
• Password (stored securely)
• Date of registration
• Date of last login
• Anonymized IP address
• Location (City, Country)
• Browser fingerprint/signature

For privacy reasons, we recommend using a pseudonym that does not match your real name or email address. Registration data is retained for as long as your account remains active.

Anonymized IP addresses are stored for 30 days to protect against misuse, such as spam or account abuse. Our system utilizes an internal antispam database to automatically flag or block suspicious accounts. Under no circumstances will personal data, including email addresses, be transmitted to external antispam services.

1.3 Web Analytics

Our website uses Matomo, a self-hosted, open-source web analytics platform designed with privacy in mind. Matomo processes anonymized usage data to help us understand visitor behavior, identify areas for improvement, and optimize the functionality and user experience of our website.

When you visit our site, Matomo automatically collects and stores the following data in your browser:

• Pages visited and time spent on each page
• Referring website or search query
• Device type, browser, and operating system
• Anonymized IP address (abbreviated by 2 bytes)

Our Matomo installation is configured to operate without cookies. User identification relies on temporary, session-based methods that are automatically cleared when you close your browser. No persistent identifiers or cross-session tracking mechanisms are used. All data is processed exclusively on our own servers and is never transmitted to third parties. Matomo is configured to anonymize IP addresses by default, ensuring your identity cannot be reconstructed. Collected data is retained for a maximum of 12 months before being automatically deleted.

The legal basis for this processing is Article 6(1)(f) GDPR, based on our legitimate interest in analyzing website usage to continuously improve our online offerings.

1.4 Cookies

Like most websites, ours uses cookies. Cookies are small text files stored by your browser that may contain data such as session tokens or login credentials. Most cookies on our website are session cookies, which are automatically deleted when you close your browser. Other cookies remain on your device until you manually delete them.

You may configure your browser to block cookies entirely. Please note that doing so may restrict functionality on our website, including the ability to log in. Instructions for managing cookies in major browsers are available below:

• Google Chrome
• Mozilla Firefox
• Apple Safari
• Microsoft Edge

2. General Information & Your Rights

2.1 Data Protection Commitment

We take the protection of your personal data seriously. We only collect and store data that is strictly necessary for the operation and security of this website. All processing is conducted confidentially and in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

Please note that internet-based data transmission (e.g., email) may have inherent security vulnerabilities. Complete protection against third-party access cannot be guaranteed.

2.2 Responsible Entity

Esselbach Internet Solutions
Rautenstrauchgasse 6-16/4
A-1110 Vienna, Austria

Email:
Note: This is our official business email address. Please do not use it for press releases, unsolicited communications, or marketing campaigns.

2.3 Access to Your Data

You have the right to request free information about your stored personal data, as well as the correction or restriction of processing, at any time within the bounds of applicable law. For security purposes, we may require identity verification before fulfilling such requests.

If you maintain an active user account, you may log in to our user management portal to view an overview of all personal data we store about you.

2.4 Data Portability

You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. If you have an active account, navigate to the user management portal and select the "Download" option below.

2.5 Account Deletion & Public Postings

You may delete your active user account at any time. This action will permanently delete all personal data associated with your account in accordance with Article 17(1)(b) GDPR. To proceed, log in to the user management portal and select "Delete my account". Please note that this action is irreversible.

Any public posts you have made will be anonymized upon account deletion. Removing them entirely could distort ongoing discussions and conflict with freedom of expression and information. This anonymization is based on our legitimate interest under Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

2.6 Right to Lodge a Complaint

If you believe your data protection rights have been violated, you have the right to file a complaint with the competent supervisory authority:

Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB)
Barichgasse 40-42
A-1030 Vienna, Austria

Website: https://www.dsb.gv.at 

3.1 Google Consent Management Platform (CMP)

Our website uses Google's Consent Management Platform (CMP), a tool designed to collect, store, and manage user consent for cookies, tracking technologies, and data processing activities in compliance with the GDPR and applicable privacy regulations.

When visitors access our website, the Google CMP presents a consent interface that allows users to accept or decline specific categories of data processing. The CMP records consent preferences and transmits them to integrated third-party services, ensuring that data processing only occurs where valid consent has been granted.

The CMP processes only the minimal data necessary for consent management, including your consent choices, the list of integrated vendors, and a browser identifier used to store preferences. No personal data is processed beyond what is strictly required for the functioning of the consent mechanism.

Operator: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy  
CMP Documentation: https://business.safety.google/consent/ 

The use of Google CMP is based on our legitimate interest in ensuring full compliance with data protection regulations and transparent consent management, in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

3.2 Google AdSense

Our website uses Google AdSense for advertising. Cookies and web beacons (including your IP address) track website usage and ad delivery. This data is transmitted to and stored on Google servers. Google uses your IP address to detect fraudulent click activity. Your IP address is anonymized by Google after 9 months. Google may share this data with its contractors but will not merge your IP address with other personal data you have provided.

We have opted out of personalized advertising in European Economic Area (EEA) countries. Users outside the EEA may opt out of personalized ads at https://optout.aboutads.info.

Operator: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads 
Controller Terms: https://business.safety.google/adscontrollerterms/ 

The use of Google AdSense is necessary to financially sustain our website and constitutes a legitimate interest under Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

3.3 YouTube

Our website uses YouTube plugins to embed videos. When you visit a page containing embedded YouTube content, YouTube servers are notified of your visit and record which of our pages you viewed.

Operator: Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en 

The use of YouTube serves the legitimate interest of providing an engaging and visually rich presentation of our online offerings, in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.

4. Standard Cookies Used