Privacy Policy
1. Privacy at a Glance
General Information
The following information provides a simple overview of what happens to your personal data when you visit this website. Personal data is any data with which you could be personally identified. Detailed information on the subject of data protection can be found in our privacy policy listed below this text.
Data Collection on this Website
Who is responsible for data collection on this website?
Data processing on this website is carried out by the website operator. You can find their contact details in the legal notice of this website.
How do we collect your data?
On the one hand, your data is collected when you provide it to us. This may, for example, be data that you enter into a contact form or send us via email.
Other data is collected automatically or after your consent by our IT systems when you visit the website. This is mainly technical data (e.g., internet browser, operating system, or time of page view). This data is collected automatically as soon as you enter this website.
What do we use your data for?
Some of the data is collected to ensure error-free provision of the website. Other data may be used to analyze your user behavior, provided you have consented to this. Additionally, data is used to display personalized advertising through our advertising partners, provided you have given your consent.
What rights do you have regarding your data?
You have the right at any time to receive information free of charge about the origin, recipient, and purpose of your stored personal data. You also have the right to request the correction or deletion of this data. If you have given consent to data processing, you can revoke this consent at any time for the future. You also have the right, under certain circumstances, to request the restriction of the processing of your personal data. Furthermore, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority.
You can contact us at any time regarding this and other questions about data protection.
2. Hosting
External Hosting
This website is hosted by an external service provider (host). The personal data collected on this website is stored on the host’s servers. This may primarily include IP addresses, contact requests, meta and communication data, contract data, contact details, names, website accesses, and other data generated via a website.
The use of the host is for the purpose of fulfilling contracts with our potential and existing customers (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR) and in the interest of secure, fast, and efficient provision of our online offer by a professional provider (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR).
Our host:
STRATO AG
Pascalstraße 10
10587 Berlin
Germany
Website: www.strato.de
Our host will only process your data to the extent necessary to fulfill its service obligations and will follow our instructions regarding this data.
Data Processing Agreement
We have concluded a data processing agreement (DPA) with the above-mentioned provider. This is a contract required by data protection law, which ensures that they only process the personal data of our website visitors according to our instructions and in compliance with the GDPR.
3. General Information and Mandatory Information
Data Protection
The operators of these pages take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We treat your personal data confidentially and in accordance with statutory data protection regulations and this privacy policy.
When you use this website, various personal data is collected. Personal data is data with which you can be personally identified. This privacy policy explains what data we collect and what we use it for. It also explains how and for what purpose this happens.
We would like to point out that data transmission over the internet (e.g., communication by email) can have security gaps. Complete protection of data from access by third parties is not possible.
Note on the Responsible Party
The responsible party for data processing on this website is:
Dr. Stephan Pflaum
Sociology of Soccer GbR
SocioloVerse.ai
Ferdinand-Kobell-Str. 58
85540 Haar
Germany
Email: stephan.pflaum@sociology-of-soccer.com
The responsible party is the natural or legal person who alone or jointly with others determines the purposes and means of processing personal data (e.g., names, email addresses, etc.).
Storage Duration
Unless a more specific storage period has been specified within this privacy policy, your personal data will remain with us until the purpose for data processing no longer applies. If you assert a legitimate request for deletion or revoke consent to data processing, your data will be deleted unless we have other legally permissible reasons for storing your personal data (e.g., tax or commercial retention periods); in the latter case, deletion will occur after these reasons no longer apply.
Note on Data Transfer to the USA and Other Third Countries
We use, among other things, tools from companies based in the USA or other third countries that are not secure under data protection law. When these tools are active, your personal data may be transferred to these third countries and processed there. We would like to point out that no data protection level comparable to that in the EU can be guaranteed in these countries.
For US companies certified under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, an adequate level of data protection has been established by the European Commission. For data transfers to other third countries without an adequacy decision, we rely on the EU Commission’s standard contractual clauses as appropriate safeguards.
Revocation of Your Consent to Data Processing
Many data processing operations are only possible with your express consent. You can revoke consent you have already given at any time. The legality of data processing carried out until the revocation remains unaffected by the revocation.
Right to Object to Data Collection in Special Cases and to Direct Advertising (Art. 21 GDPR)
IF DATA PROCESSING IS BASED ON ART. 6 PARA. 1 LIT. E OR F GDPR, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE PROCESSING OF YOUR PERSONAL DATA AT ANY TIME FOR REASONS ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING BASED ON THESE PROVISIONS. THE RESPECTIVE LEGAL BASIS ON WHICH PROCESSING IS BASED CAN BE FOUND IN THIS PRIVACY POLICY. IF YOU OBJECT, WE WILL NO LONGER PROCESS YOUR PERSONAL DATA UNLESS WE CAN DEMONSTRATE COMPELLING LEGITIMATE GROUNDS FOR THE PROCESSING THAT OVERRIDE YOUR INTERESTS, RIGHTS, AND FREEDOMS.
IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS PROCESSED FOR DIRECT MARKETING PURPOSES, YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO OBJECT AT ANY TIME TO THE PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA CONCERNING YOU FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUCH ADVERTISING; THIS ALSO APPLIES TO PROFILING INSOFAR AS IT IS RELATED TO SUCH DIRECT ADVERTISING. IF YOU OBJECT, YOUR PERSONAL DATA WILL NO LONGER BE USED FOR DIRECT ADVERTISING PURPOSES.
Right to Lodge a Complaint with the Competent Supervisory Authority
In the event of violations of the GDPR, data subjects have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, particularly in the member state of their habitual residence, their place of work, or the place of the alleged violation.
The competent supervisory authority for us is:
Bayerisches Landesamt für Datenschutzaufsicht (BayLDA)
Promenade 18
91522 Ansbach
Germany
Email: poststelle@lda.bayern.de
Website: https://www.lda.bayern.de
Right to Data Portability
You have the right to have data that we process automatically based on your consent or in fulfillment of a contract handed over to you or to a third party in a common, machine-readable format.
SSL or TLS Encryption
For security reasons and to protect the transmission of confidential content, this site uses SSL or TLS encryption. You can recognize an encrypted connection by the fact that the address line of the browser changes from “http://” to “https://” and by the lock symbol in your browser line.
Information, Deletion, and Correction
Within the framework of applicable legal provisions, you have the right at any time to free information about your stored personal data, its origin and recipient, and the purpose of data processing and, if applicable, a right to correction or deletion of this data.
4. Data Collection on this Website
Cookies
This website uses cookies. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device and do not cause any harm. They are either stored temporarily for the duration of a session (session cookies) or permanently (persistent cookies) on your device.
Types of cookies used on this website:
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Storage Duration | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technically necessary cookies | Basic website functionality, session management | End of session or up to 1 year | Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR |
| Analytics cookies | Usage statistics, website improvement | Up to 2 years | Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) |
| Advertising cookies | Personalized advertising, ad measurement | Up to 2 years | Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) |
| Third-party cookies | Services from advertising partners | Varies by provider | Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent) |
You can set your browser so that you are informed about the setting of cookies and only allow cookies on a case-by-case basis or generally exclude them. Disabling cookies may limit the functionality of this website.
Consent Management (Cookie Consent)
This website uses a consent management tool to obtain your consent for the storage of certain cookies and for data processing by analytics and advertising services, and to document this consent in compliance with data protection regulations.
When you enter the website, you will be asked to give your consent for various cookie categories. Your consent decision is stored so that the query does not have to be made again with each page view. You can revoke your consent at any time or change your settings by accessing the cookie settings (usually via a link in the footer or a floating button).
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR (legal obligation) in conjunction with § 25 TDDDG (German Telecommunications-Telemedia Data Protection Act).
Server Log Files
The provider of the pages automatically collects and stores information in so-called server log files, which your browser automatically transmits to us. These are:
- Browser type and browser version
- Operating system used
- Referrer URL
- Host name of the accessing computer
- Time of the server request
- IP address
This data is not merged with other data sources. Data collection is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
Contact Form and Email Contact
If you send us inquiries via contact form or email, your details from the inquiry form or email, including the contact data you provide there, will be stored by us for the purpose of processing the inquiry and in case of follow-up questions. We do not pass on this data without your consent.
Processing is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR or Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
5. Analysis Tools and Advertising
Google Site Kit
This website uses Google Site Kit for integrating various Google services. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Google Site Kit allows website operators to integrate and manage various Google services such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and Google AdSense from a single interface.
Use is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. Where consent has been obtained, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
More information: https://sitekit.withgoogle.com/
Google Analytics
This website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Google Analytics uses cookies that enable an analysis of your use of the website. The information generated by the cookie about your use of this website is usually transferred to a Google server in the USA and stored there.
IP Anonymization: We have activated the IP anonymization function on this website. This means that your IP address is truncated by Google within member states of the European Union or in other contracting states of the Agreement on the European Economic Area before being transmitted to the USA.
Browser Plugin: You can prevent the storage of cookies by setting your browser software accordingly. You can also prevent the collection of data generated by the cookie and related to your use of the website (including your IP address) to Google and the processing of this data by Google by downloading and installing the browser plugin available at: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
Opt-out: As an alternative to the browser plugin, you can click on this link to prevent Google Analytics from collecting data on this website in the future. An opt-out cookie will be stored on your device. If you delete your cookies, you will need to click this link again.
Legal basis: The use of Google Analytics is based on your consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can revoke your consent at any time via the cookie settings.
Data transfer to third countries: Data transfer to the USA is based on the EU Commission’s standard contractual clauses. Details: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/controllerterms/
Storage duration: Data linked to cookies, user identifiers, or advertising IDs is automatically deleted after 14 months.
More information: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Google AdSense
This website uses Google AdSense, a service for embedding advertisements from Google Inc. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
How Google AdSense works:
Google AdSense uses cookies and similar technologies (such as web beacons and pixels) to analyze website usage and to serve ads that are relevant to you. The information generated (including your IP address) is transmitted to Google servers and stored there. Google may share this information with third parties.
Types of data processed:
- Usage data (pages visited, time spent, click behavior)
- Device information (device type, operating system, browser)
- IP address (anonymized where applicable)
- Cookie data and advertising identifiers
- Location data (derived from IP address)
Personalized and non-personalized advertising:
Google AdSense can display both personalized and non-personalized ads:
- Personalized ads are based on your previous visits to this website and other websites. Google and its advertising partners use cookies to serve ads based on your interests and browsing history.
- Non-personalized ads are not based on your browsing history but may still use cookies for frequency capping, aggregated ad reporting, and to combat fraud and abuse.
Your choices and opt-out options:
You have several options to control how your data is used for advertising:
- Google Ad Settings: You can manage your ad personalization preferences at: https://www.google.com/settings/ads
- NAI Opt-Out: Opt out of interest-based advertising from NAI members at: https://optout.networkadvertising.org/
- DAA Opt-Out: Opt out via the Digital Advertising Alliance at: https://optout.aboutads.info/
- EDAA (Europe): European users can opt out at: https://www.youronlinechoices.eu/
- Cookie Settings: You can manage or revoke your consent via our cookie consent tool at any time.
Legal basis:
- With consent: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR
- The storage of cookies requires consent pursuant to § 25 para. 1 TDDDG
You can revoke your consent at any time with effect for the future by adjusting your cookie settings.
Data transfer to third countries:
Your data may be transferred to Google servers in the USA. The data transfer is based on the EU Commission’s standard contractual clauses. Details can be found at: https://privacy.google.com/businesses/controllerterms/
Storage duration:
Advertising cookies set by Google typically have a lifespan of up to 2 years. Some cookies may be deleted earlier depending on your browser settings.
More information:
- Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Google Advertising: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
Google Advertising Partners (Third-Party Vendors)
As part of the Google AdSense program, third-party vendors (Google’s advertising partners) may place cookies on your device and process your data to serve personalized advertising.
What third-party vendors do:
- Collect and use data for ad personalization
- Measure ad performance
- Generate audience insights
- Develop and improve products
List of Google’s certified advertising partners:
A complete and current list of all advertising partners who may set cookies through Google AdSense can be found here: https://support.google.com/admanager/answer/9012903
Each advertising partner has their own privacy policy. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of partners whose ads you interact with.
Legal basis:
Data processing by third-party vendors is based on your consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR. You can manage your consent preferences via our cookie consent tool.
TCF 2.0 Compliance:
Our consent management is compliant with the IAB Transparency & Consent Framework (TCF) 2.0, which provides a standardized way for you to express your preferences regarding data processing for advertising purposes.
Google Ad Manager / DoubleClick
This website uses Google Ad Manager (formerly DoubleClick for Publishers). This is a service of Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Google Ad Manager uses cookies to serve ads that are relevant to users, improve campaign performance reports, or prevent a user from seeing the same ads more than once.
Google uses a cookie ID to record which ads are served in which browser and can thus prevent them from being displayed more than once. In addition, Google Ad Manager can use cookie IDs to record conversions related to ad requests.
The use of Google Ad Manager is based on your consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
More information: https://policies.google.com/privacy
6. Plugins and Tools
Google Fonts
This website uses Google Fonts for the uniform display of fonts. The provider is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
When you access a page, your browser loads the required fonts into its cache to display texts and fonts correctly. For this purpose, the browser you use must connect to Google’s servers. This gives Google knowledge that this website was accessed via your IP address.
The use of Google Fonts is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR. If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
More information: https://developers.google.com/fonts/faq
YouTube (Extended Privacy Mode)
This website embeds videos from the YouTube platform. The operator is Google Ireland Limited, Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland.
We use YouTube in extended privacy mode. According to YouTube, this mode means that YouTube does not store any information about visitors to this website before they watch the video. However, the transfer of data to YouTube partners is not necessarily excluded by extended privacy mode.
When you start a YouTube video, a connection to YouTube servers is established. The YouTube server is informed which of our pages you have visited. If you are logged into your YouTube account, you allow YouTube to associate your browsing behavior directly with your personal profile.
The use of YouTube is based on our interest in an appealing presentation of our online offers (Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR). If consent has been requested, processing is carried out exclusively on the basis of Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR.
More information: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Social Media Links
This website contains links to our profiles on social media platforms. These are simple links (not plugins), so no data is transferred to the social networks when you visit our website. Data is only transferred when you actively click on a link.
7. AI Usage Notice
Transparency in AI Assistance
The content on these websites is created with the assistance of AI systems (primarily Claude by Anthropic). AI usage follows transparent principles:
Human Responsibility: All texts are reviewed, edited, and authorized by the human author (Dr. Stephan Pflaum).
AI as a Tool: AI serves to support the writing process, not as an independent author.
Data Protection: No personal data from website visitors is transmitted to AI systems during content creation.
When using AI assistance systems for content creation, no personal data from website visitors is processed.
8. Newsletter
If you would like to receive a newsletter offered on this website, we require your email address and information that allows us to verify that you are the owner of the specified email address and agree to receive the newsletter.
Double opt-in procedure: We use the double opt-in procedure for newsletter registration. After you register, you will receive an email asking you to confirm your registration.
Data processed:
- Email address
- Date and time of registration
- IP address at registration
- Confirmation data (date, time, IP address)
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR (consent)
You can revoke your consent to the storage of data, your email address, and their use for sending the newsletter at any time, for example via the “unsubscribe” link in the newsletter.
9. Comments on this Website
When you leave a comment on this website, the following data is stored in addition to your comment:
- Name or pseudonym
- Email address (not published)
- Website (optional)
- IP address
- Date and time of the comment
Purpose: This data is stored to be able to trace illegal content if necessary and to prevent spam and abuse.
Legal basis: Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR (legitimate interest in preventing abuse)
Storage duration: Comments and associated data are stored until you request deletion, unless longer storage is required for legal reasons.
Gravatar: If you use the Gravatar service, your email address (hashed) may be transmitted to Automattic Inc. to display your profile picture. Privacy policy: https://automattic.com/privacy/
10. Scope of this Privacy Policy
This privacy policy applies to all domains of the “Haus der Soziologie” (House of Sociology) network operated by Sociology of Soccer GbR, including but not limited to:
- socioloverse.ai
- fussball-soziologie.de
- schweinwelten.de
- kompass-reihe.de
The current list of domains can be found in the legal notice (Impressum).
11. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or the services we use. The current version will always be available on this website.
We recommend reviewing this privacy policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.
Last updated: November 2025
Contact: stephan.pflaum@socioloverse.ai