Datenschutz | Swiss History Consulting

Privacy Policy

1. Contact for Privacy Concerns

For any questions or concerns regarding data protection, please contact:

Corina Liebi

Department of Medieval History
Institute of History
University of Bern

Länggassstrasse 49

3012 Bern

Phone: +41 79 713 04 16
Email: corina.liebi@unibe.ch

For further information, please also refer to the legal notice (Impressum).

2. Scope

This privacy policy governs how this site handles the personal data of visitors and users (“you”) of this website, Mailchimp, mobile applications (if applicable), and social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter)—hereinafter collectively referred to as the "website"—whether the data is collected directly by the website operator or by third parties, and whether transmitted via the website or other channels.

3. General

This site complies with applicable data protection laws. All personal data collected during registration or use of the site and protected by Swiss Data Protection Law (DSG/revDSG as of September 1, 2023) and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be used solely in connection with newsletter registration or website use, unless explicit consent has been given or permitted by law for other uses.

4. What Personal Data Is Collected and Why

Information Provided by You
We may collect personal data such as your name, address, email, company name, postal code, payment information, and online preferences. These details are stored in a Mailchimp account. Required fields are clearly marked; other data entry is voluntary. You may withdraw your consent for processing voluntary data at any time (see Section 11, Your Rights).

This data is used for communication, newsletter services, understanding preferences, website operations, and donation processing. We may also collect other information through forms, surveys, and personal communication (email, phone, in person) to respond to inquiries and for statistical purposes.

Browsing and Usage Data
Data such as browser type/version, operating system, referring URL, time and date of access, downloaded files, IP address, and usage patterns may be collected. This data helps display and optimize the site, enhance security, and personalize your experience. This data is evaluated anonymously unless needed to address legal violations.

Cookies
This website uses cookies to store your preferences and improve user experience.

Session cookies store data temporarily and are deleted when the browser is closed.
Persistent cookies store preferences for future visits (e.g., language) and remain saved until expiry based on browser settings.
You agree to the use of cookies by using this site. You can delete or disable cookies in your browser settings, but doing so may affect site functionality. See the cookie banner for more information.

Other Tracking Tools
Tracking technologies (e.g., pixels, tags, unique IDs) may also be used to collect data from different devices and communication channels. Third-party tracking (e.g., for marketing or analytics) is included. These tools help us understand user behavior, measure content effectiveness, target specific audiences, and improve marketing. You agree to the use of such tools by using the site. See the cookie banner for full details.

5. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary for the intended purpose or as legally required.

Newsletter subscribers: Data is retained indefinitely unless you unsubscribe via Mailchimp.
Website visitors (one-time): Data is deleted shortly after the visit, usually during regular deletion cycles.
Donation processing: Data is stored until subscription or donation activity ends.
In cases of misuse or legal issues, data may be retained for up to 10 years for protection or enforcement purposes.

6. Data Sharing

Personal data may be shared with the community management team and third parties such as IT service providers, marketing firms, analytics companies, and financial institutions.

These partners may be located in:

Switzerland
Countries with adequate data protection levels (per Swiss regulation)
EU countries (e.g., financial providers)
Selected non-European jurisdictions, including the USA (e.g., analytics and marketing services)

We ensure appropriate contractual guarantees in line with Swiss and EU data protection standards. All partners are legally or contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and data protection.

The website operator may also disclose data to authorities or courts where legally required.

7. Embedded Third-Party Content

This website uses embedded content from third-party platforms (e.g., YouTube videos, social media buttons). When you visit the site, your IP address and other data may be automatically transmitted to the third party. If you're logged into these platforms, your visit may be linked to your profile.
Please refer to the privacy policies of the respective platforms. This privacy policy does not apply to external websites linked on swisshistoryconsulting.com.

8. Legal Basis

The processing of personal data is generally based on:

Art. 13 para. 2(a) DSG, Art. 31 para. 2(a) revDSG, and Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR (for contract fulfillment)
Art. 13 para. 1 DSG, Art. 31 para. 1 revDSG, and Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR (based on consent or legal obligation)
In specific cases, Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interest)

9. Your Rights

Upon request, we will inform you whether and which of your personal data is processed (right to access).

You may also request to:

Withdraw consent / be forgotten
Have incorrect data rectified
Restrict processing
Receive your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights (e.g., unsubscribe from newsletter, delete your data), use the provided tools on the site, unsubscribe directly from Mailchimp, or contact us as described in Section 1.

If your request is denied, you will be informed of the reasons (e.g., ongoing service relationship, legal obligations, legitimate interest in data retention). You may object to data processing if you have a specific personal situation that overrides our interest.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a competent supervisory authority (e.g., in your country of residence or at the GLP Switzerland's registered office).

10. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This privacy policy and any related agreements are governed by Swiss law, unless another jurisdiction is mandatorily applicable. Jurisdiction lies with the courts at the registered office of GLP Switzerland, unless otherwise legally mandated.

11. Latest Version of This Policy

This privacy policy was last updated in July 2023 and may be amended at any time.