Privacy Statement

Last revised: August 16, 2023

Welcome to the Goethe language learning centers in China

The purpose of this privacy and cookies policy (the ‘Policy’) is to clearly outline our commitment to respecting the privacy of users of the www.goetheslz.com website (‘Website’), as well as users of our services (‘Services’), our partners, our suppliers, and our prospects.

In accordance with the applicable data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Cybersecurity Law of the People’s Republic of China (Cybersecurity), and the Personal Information Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (PIPL), we may process your personal data as part of our services, subject to the conditions specified below.

Personal data refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. We collect and process personal data solely within the scope of providing our Services or communicating about these Services, strictly adhering to the principles outlined in the GDPR, Cybersecurity, and PIPL.

We only collect personal data that is adequate, relevant, and limited to what is necessary for the purposes it is processed for. Therefore, we will never request you to provide sensitive personal data, such as your racial or ethnic origins, your political or philosophical beliefs, or your religious views.

By accessing our website, contacting us regarding our Services, attending our events, or engaging in any other capacity as our client, you give us your consent to process your personal data in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree to the terms of this Policy, please refrain from using the Website and our Services.

Please note that this Policy may be updated from time to time, and we encourage you to review it periodically to stay informed about how we handle your personal data.

If you have any questions or concerns about the privacy of your personal data, please contact us through the channels provided in this Policy.

 

1. In what cases do we collect your personal data and what data is collected?

We may collect and store your personal data, especially when you:

We utilize your personal data to facilitate the operation and administration of the Website and our Services, as well as to address your specific inquiries and requests. Additionally, we leverage your personal data to enhance and optimize our Services, Website, and overall approach. This information is exclusively utilized by us and empowers us to tailor our Services more effectively to meet your expectations.

1.1 Navigation on the Website

1.1.1. Connection information: Whenever you access our Website, we gather certain personal data, including your IP address, the MAC address of your computer, the date and time of your connection, and details regarding the browser you are utilizing.

1.1.2. Browsing information: We also collect data to identify the manner in which you navigate through the Website, including which pages you visit and the duration of your visits. In this regard, we may employ Cookies, as outlined in section 5 below.

1.2 Use of our Services

Whenever you utilize our Services, we will gather personal data such as your name, phone number, email address, postal address, and any other relevant information that is necessary for the provision of our Services or that you choose to share with us voluntarily.

1.3 Partnership

In the event that we have established a partnership agreement, whether in written form or not, for the provision of certain aspects of our Services or for any other reasons, it may be necessary for us to process your personal data. This may include information such as your name, phone number, email address, postal address, and any other relevant personal data required to fulfill the obligations of our partnership.

1.4 Suppliers

If you are one of our suppliers, regardless of whether our agreement is formalized in writing or not, it may be necessary for us to process your personal data. This could include information such as your name, phone number, email address, postal address, and any other pertinent personal data that is required to fulfill the obligations outlined in our agreement.

1.5 Registration to our courses or exams

If you attend one of our courses or exams, it is necessary for us to process your personal data. This could include information such as your name, phone number, email address, postal address, and any other relevant personal data that is necessary to enhance your experience or that you choose to share with us voluntarily in order to better serve you.

1.6 Contacts

If you choose to contact us directly or through our Website or social media channels, we may need to process any personal information that you willingly provide to us. This may include details such as your name, phone number, email address, postal address, and any other personal data that you decide to share with us voluntarily. We will handle this information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.

2. How do we protect your personal data?

We have implemented comprehensive technical and organizational security measures to ensure the security, integrity, and confidentiality of all your personal data. These measures are designed to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure of your information. We strive to maintain an appropriate level of security by considering factors such as the current state of knowledge, implementation costs, the nature and scope of the processing activities, as well as the potential risks and their likelihood. Our aim is to safeguard your personal data against any potential risks or unauthorized access by third parties, and to uphold the privacy and confidentiality of your information.

HOWEVER, IT IS SPECIFIED THAT NO SECURITY MEASURE BEING INFALLIBLE, THE GOETHE LANGUAGE LEARNING CENTERS ARE NOT ABLE TO GUARANTEE ABSOLUTE SECURITY TO YOUR PERSONAL DATA.

3. In what cases do we share your personal data?

3.1 Sharing your personal data with third-party companies

When you browse our Website, it may be necessary to transmit your personal data to external service providers. These third parties assist us by providing services such as analytics. Additionally, we may need to share your personal data with other service providers we utilize, such as accountants, etc.

To process your requests, handle administrative procedures, and ensure the hosting and security of personal data, all handling of your personal data is governed by the Cybersecurity Law and Personal Information Protection Law of People’s Republic of China.

Unless a third party requests your acceptance of a specific confidentiality charter and terms of use, the third-party companies that receive your personal data have committed to processing it solely for the purpose of providing the Services. We will never share your personal data with third-party companies for marketing and/or commercial purposes without obtaining your prior consent.

4. How long do we keep your personal data?

We will retain your personal data only for the duration necessary to provide our Services, fulfill our agreements, or comply with legal requirements as prescribed by applicable laws and regulations.

In any case, we will not retain your personal data for a period longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is processed, as outlined in this Policy, and in compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

5. Cookies: how do we use them?

5.1 What is a cookie?

A cookie is a text file that can be placed on a device (such as a computer or mobile device) when accessing an online service using web browsing software. A cookie file enables the issuer, during its validity period, to recognize the specific device whenever it accesses digital content that contains cookies from the same issuer.

However, it is important to note that any cookies that are placed on your device with your consent will be automatically deleted after the duration specified for each cookie in the cookies banner displayed on our Website.

5.2 What are the cookies used on our Website for?

The cookies that we utilize are described in the customization section of our cookies banner, which appears when you browse our Website for the first time. You can also access the same information through the floating cookies settings button, which becomes available after you have saved your cookies preferences from the cookies banner.

There are five types of cookies that may be utilized: necessary cookies, functional cookies, analytics cookies, performance cookies, and advertisement cookies. You have the option to opt in or out of each of these cookie types, but please note that necessary cookies are essential for browsing our Website.

5.3 How can you control the cookies used?

You have the ability to modify or revoke your consent regarding cookies at any time. This can be done through the customization section of our cookies banner, which appears when you first browse our Website. You can also manage your cookie preferences using the floating cookies settings button, which becomes available after you have saved your cookies preferences from the cookie banner.

Furthermore, you have the option to configure your browser software settings to accept or reject cookies, either on a per-cookie basis or as a general setting for all cookies. You can also configure your browser software to prompt you for your consent before a cookie is saved on your device.

Please note that by disabling or rejecting cookies, certain functionalities of our Website may be affected and may not work as intended.

We would like to inform you that we cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from the impaired functionality of our services if you have refused or deleted the necessary cookies required for their operation. This could occur in situations where we (or our service providers) are unable to recognize, for technical compatibility reasons, the type of browser you are using, its language and display settings, or the country from which your device appears to be connected to the internet. It is important to note that certain features and functionalities of our services may rely on the use of these necessary cookies, and disabling or deleting them may impact your user experience.

5.4 How to configure your navigation software?

For managing cookies and making choices regarding their use, please note that the configuration process varies for each browser. Detailed instructions can be found in the help menu of your specific browser, which will provide you with information on how to modify your preferences regarding cookies. By referring to the browser’s help menu, you can learn how to adjust your cookie settings according to your preferences.

6. What are your rights?

We, as the data controller, have only provided you with the personal data that is in our possession, either through our agreements or via the Website. As the owner of your personal data, you have certain rights in accordance with the regulations on the protection of personal data, particularly Articles 15 to 22 of the GDPR and Chapter 4 of the PIPL.

Upon verifying your identity, you have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you, as well as the right to request rectification or erasure of that data, within the limits set by law. Furthermore, you have the right to object to the processing of your personal data, to restrict its processing, to determine the fate of your data after your death, to withdraw your consent at any time, and to request the portability of the personal data you have provided.

To exercise your rights, you can contact us by emailing us at inquiries@goetheslz.com and attaching a copy of an identity document to your request.

We will respond to your request in accordance with the applicable data protection laws and regulations.

7. Can we modify the Charter?

We reserve the right to modify this Charter at any time. It is advisable to review it periodically. In the event of any changes, we will update this page and make appropriate notifications based on the nature and extent of the modifications. By continuing to use the Website after any modifications have been made, you indicate your acceptance of those changes. If you do not agree to significant changes made to this Charter, it is recommended that you discontinue using the Website and our Services.