1. Controller
The controller responsible for data processing on this website is:
Imanuel Marcus, Erich-Weinert-Str. 135a, 10409 Berlin, Germany
Email: berlinspectator (at) gmail.com
2. Hosting and server log files
This website is hosted by Strato AG in Germany. When you visit the site, the server automatically records technical data, such as your IP address, the date and time of access, the pages requested, the browser type, and the referring URL. This is necessary to deliver the site securely and reliably. The legal basis is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interest in the secure operation of the website). Log files are deleted after a short period, unless needed for security reasons.
3. Cookies and similar technologies
The site uses technically necessary cookies and, where applicable, cookies for statistics and embedded content. Where consent is required, the legal basis is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR in conjunction with § 25(1) TDDDG. You can withdraw your consent at any time and adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies.
4. Website statistics (Jetpack)
To understand how the site is used, we use Jetpack Stats, a service of Automattic Inc., USA. Data such as your IP address, pages visited, and device information may be transmitted to Automattic servers. The legal basis is your consent under Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR or, where permitted, our legitimate interest in analyzing and improving the site under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. Data may be transferred to the USA. Automattic relies on appropriate safeguards, such as standard contractual clauses.
5. Embedded videos
Some articles contain embedded videos, for example from YouTube (Google Ireland Limited). When you play a video, your IP address and information about your visit may be transmitted to the provider and, where applicable, to servers in the USA. The legal basis is your consent under Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR. Please see the provider’s privacy policy for details.
6. Newsletter (Substack)
Our newsletter is operated via Substack (Substack Inc., USA). If you subscribe, you enter your email address on the Substack website, and Substack processes it under its own privacy policy. We receive subscriber data, such as email addresses, from Substack in order to send you the newsletter. The legal basis is your consent under Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR, which you can withdraw at any time using the unsubscribe link.
7. Contact
If you contact us by email, we process your message and email address to answer your inquiry. The legal basis is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR or, where the contact relates to a contract, Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR. We delete the data once it is no longer needed.
8. Links to social networks
This site contains links to social media profiles (Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn). These are plain links. Data is transmitted only if you click on them. The respective platforms’ privacy policies then apply.
9. Your rights
You have the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, data portability, and objection under the GDPR. You may withdraw consent at any time with effect for the future. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, for example the Berlin Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (Berliner Beauftragte für Datenschutz und Informationsfreiheit).
10. Changes
We may update this policy when necessary. The current version applies. Last updated: October 30th, 2026