Protection of privacy

Many online services require the user to submit personal data. For example, online stores collect personal data to their customer registers, discussion forums require registration and people giving feedback to a service are asked for personal information so that the service provider is able to respond to the message.

Be careful when submitting personal data on the Internet. A good way to protect your privacy online is to know what personal information you present, to whom you give it and for what purpose it is used. Get acquainted with the service provider's privacy statement before you register or otherwise submit your personal data. The statement should provide information on how your personal data is handled, who handles it and for what purpose, how the data is protected, whether the data is given to other parties and what rights you have after you register.

Surfing the Internet and conducting transactions online means that information is stored on servers also without the user having control over it. However, the collection and use of such information is regulated by law.

For further information on data protection, visit the website of the Office of the Data Protection Ombudsman.

Site updated 18.11.2008