Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to CologneCathedral.de ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website https://colognecathedral.de.

By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our website.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Submit a contact form
• Subscribe to our newsletter (if applicable)
• Communicate with us via email
• Participate in surveys or promotions

This information may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number (optional)
• Message content
• Any other information you choose to provide

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing behavior, including:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website
• Pages viewed and time spent on pages
• Date and time of visits
• Device information (mobile, desktop, etc.)

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. We use:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your language preferences and settings
• Advertising Cookies: May be used if we display advertisements (Google AdSense)

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide Services: To respond to your inquiries and provide requested information
• Improve Website: To analyze usage patterns and improve our content and user experience
• Communication: To send updates, newsletters, or promotional materials (with your consent)
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Analytics: To understand visitor behavior and optimize our website
• Advertising: To display relevant advertisements (if applicable)
• Security: To protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and security threats

3. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party services that collect, monitor, and analyze information. These include:

3.1 Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to track and analyze website traffic. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect anonymous information about your visits. For more information, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

3.2 Google AdSense

We may use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google uses cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

3.3 Contact Form Service

Our contact forms are powered by Deftform. Information submitted through contact forms is processed according to their privacy policy.

3.4 Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use CDN services to deliver website content efficiently. These services may collect anonymous usage data.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating our website (e.g., hosting, analytics)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit permission

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure hosting infrastructure
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Data backup and recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

• Contact Form Data: Retained for up to 2 years
• Analytics Data: Retained according to Google Analytics settings (typically 26 months)
• Cookie Data: Varies by cookie type (typically 1-24 months)

7. Your Rights (GDPR Compliance)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restriction: Request limitation of data processing
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your personal data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or 16 in the EEA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately, and we will take steps to delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws different from those in your country. By using our website, you consent to such transfers.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place when transferring data internationally, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.

10. Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers have "Do Not Track" features that send signals to websites. We currently do not respond to Do Not Track signals. You can control cookies and tracking through your browser settings.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date
• Sending an email notification (if you have provided your email address)
• Displaying a notice on our website

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the website after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13. Cookie Consent

By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this Privacy Policy. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings at any time.

To opt out of Google Analytics, visit: Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on