Russmedia Digital GmbH has published a comprehensive privacy policy outlining its data processing practices for users of its digital platforms, including the vol.at website and its subdomains. The Austrian-based company, headquartered in Schwarzach, serves as the data controller responsible for personal information collected through various digital services. The policy, last updated in April 2024, reflects compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and other national data protection laws, emphasizing principles of data minimization and purpose limitation in all processing activities.
The company processes personal data exclusively based on legal provisions such as GDPR, the Austrian Telecommunications Act, and national privacy legislation. Information that can identify individuals, including names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers, is collected only when necessary for specific purposes or when users voluntarily provide it. Russmedia Digital maintains responsibility for data protection even when third-party processors handle information for contract fulfillment. The policy explicitly states that users should review privacy practices of any external websites accessed through links, as those platforms operate under separate data protection frameworks.
Data processing occurs across multiple service categories with distinct purposes and legal bases. Newsletter subscriptions require explicit consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR, with data shared with providers including Salesforce in California, T-Mobile Austria, Piano Software in Amsterdam, and Inxmail in Germany. User registrations are governed by vol.at terms and conditions, with data stored until consent withdrawal. Contest and survey processing follows similar consent-based models, while feedback processing relies on legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. WhatsApp news service and Google Ads verification also operate on consent principles, with data transferred to Meta Platforms and Google Ireland Limited respectively.
The privacy framework includes a loyalty rewards program called Ländle-Punkte that tracks user engagement across reading, commenting, sharing, and quiz participation. This system, along with citizen forums, community reporting features, and reader reporter functions, processes data until users withdraw consent. High score displays for gaming platforms and paywall management systems require separate consent, with data shared among multiple technology partners including Piano Software, Atex Media, and Evolver. The policy emphasizes that all processing adheres to contractual obligations outlined in vol.at's general terms and conditions.
Data subjects retain comprehensive rights regarding their personal information, including access, correction, deletion, restriction, and portability. Users can request information about processed data and demand immediate correction of inaccurate information. Deletion requests are honored when data is no longer necessary, consent is withdrawn, or processing proves unlawful. The company must notify all recipients of any corrections or deletions unless such notification proves impossible or requires disproportionate effort. Individuals can object to processing based on public or legitimate interests and are protected from automated decision-making with legal effects.
All privacy-related inquiries should be directed to the designated email address datenschutz@russmedia.com. The company commits to responding through any communication channel but prefers electronic contact. Users who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints with the Austrian Data Protection Authority in Vienna. The policy acknowledges that technological and procedural changes will necessitate future updates, urging users to consult the current version regularly. This transparent approach to data governance demonstrates Russmedia Digital's effort to balance service functionality with robust privacy protections in an evolving digital landscape.
