According to the general regulations of Art. 35 para. 1 of the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a data protection impact assessment must be carried out if a form of processing, in particular when using new technologies, is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons due to the nature, scope, circumstances and purposes of the processing. The "Framework for the use of social media by public bodies" issued by the Rhineland-Palatinate State Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information (LfDI) also makes it mandatory to assess the consequences of the intended processing operations for the protection of personal data within the meaning of the GDPR.

The YouTube offering of HWG LUitself does not trigger this consequence due to the very limited scope of its own data processing (see the YouTube privacy policy). However, YouTube videos often have a direct personal reference. When posting its own content, HWG LU therefore ensures that the copyrights to the image material and the image rights of any persons depicted are taken into account.

From the point of view of the HWG LU, the use of YouTube in itself represents a high-risk processing operation due to its far-reaching effects, particularly with regard to the evaluation of data by YouTube LLC or Google LLC for advertising purposes and the like, for which a data protection impact assessment must be carried out.

This is because by using a YouTube account, the respective user comes under the systematic observation of YouTube LLC. This can also reveal sensitive data such as political views, sexual orientation or health problems, which can be linked together and used to create a personality profile. People who are particularly vulnerable, such as young people, can also be YouTube users and therefore affected. Even in the case of merely passive use of YouTube content without an account, sensitive data can be collected through the collection of log data, such as the websites previously visited or the user's location data.

This is all the more true as YouTube LLC cannot be checked or can only be checked to a limited extent. As the data of German users may be processed outside Germany, there are higher hurdles to accessing (judicial) legal protection than with a company based in Germany.

In this respect, the HWG LU assumes that, as a public body that uses a social network for public relations work and to provide general information, it bears joint responsibility.

Shared responsibility does not mean that the HWG LU confirms or guarantees the data protection compliance of YouTube LLC's products. It cannot do this under the given circumstances. Rather, joint responsibility means that the HWG LU makes itself and others aware of the risks of social networks. Social networks are currently in need of improvement in many respects from a data protection perspective. For this reason, YouTube users are shown alternative, more data protection-friendly communication channels via links on the HWG LU website.

Users are also made aware of the risks generally associated with the use of social media in the privacy policy of the HWG LU YouTube channel.

HWG LU has committed to these measures in its usage concept . The advantages and disadvantages of using YouTube are regularly evaluated in accordance with YouTube LLC's terms of use. This evaluation of the usage concept takes place regularly and takes into account the usage figures and reach as well as the target group structure and usage behavior of the networks.

YouTube usage is thus embedded in a package of measures (usage concept, privacy policy, disclaimer and netiquette). Against this background, the assessment of the consequences of HWG LU's use of YouTube is as follows:

1. risk identification:

The risks described above, which are associated with the use of YouTube, exist independently of the HWG LU's own YouTube use. Also, in the vast majority of cases, the videos posted by HWG LU itself do not contain any reference to sensitive personal data, but instead disseminate their own factual content.

Finally, the data that is processed through interaction with the HWG LU YouTube account or other accounts - namely the videos and/or the YouTuber's account name - is already publicly/generally accessible/free on the internet.

However, by appearing on the HWG LU's YouTube page and the interaction, they are made available to a broader/"more specific" public and may thus achieve greater attention and wider distribution than without this interaction.

The fact that the HWG LU follows other YouTube channels or that they follow it also creates additional cross-connections and information about the respective YouTube user; for example, interest in research topics can be seen from the subscription property or regular contributions.

Finally, log data is also collected by YouTube when the site is used passively.

HWG LU's own use of YouTube therefore increases the amount of data that is used and analyzed by YouTube LLC or Google LLC.

2. risk analysis:

By expanding the distribution circle and increasing the linking options, the processing of data for other purposes by YouTube LLC or Google LLC and secret profiling is favored. Openness to visitor contributions can also lead to adverse social consequences such as inappropriate or discriminatory comments or the dissemination of sensitive data.

While these damages may be significant if caused by YouTube LLC or Google LLC itself, they are increased to a limited extent by the HWG LU YouTube channel. This is because the account data of the respective user is to a large extent available to YouTube LLC anyway. In particular, the HWG LU's offer does not compel users to create a YouTube account, as there are sufficient alternative contact and information options for the HWG LU.

The topics of research and studies are also only suitable for triggering hateful debates to a limited extent, so that the probability of damage occurring is also very limited in this respect.

3. risk assessment

Overall, the additional risk caused by the HWG LU YouTube account can therefore be classified as low to medium.

It is also possible to implement remedial measures that further reduce the risk. These include, for example, the influence of HWG LU on the providers. However, a large part of these measures are the responsibility of the user: For example, there is no obligation to use a clear name when using YouTube. Users can also protect themselves to a certain extent by making various settings, such as deleting their browser history and deactivating cookies.

In addition, continuous editorial support enables intervention in the event of comments that are defamatory or offensive to personality, up to and including blocking the account. HWG LU has formulated a netiquette for the use of its website, which it ensures is adhered to when managing the site.

4. result

The use of YouTube by HWG LU is justifiable in view of the risks described and the binding measures envisaged. HWG LU undertakes to monitor further developments and to regularly repeat and, if necessary, further develop the review carried out here.

Status: January 2026

HWG LU uses the technical platform and services of YouTube LLC, 901 Cherry Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA for the video platform offered here: https://www.youtube.com/user/HSLudwigshafen.

Google Germany GmbH, - Legal Department -, ABC-Straße 19, 20354 Hamburg, Germany, is the authorized representative for YouTube LLC within the meaning of Section 5 (1) NetzDG in Germany.

We would like to point out that you use the YouTube platform offered here and its functions on your own responsibility. This applies in particular to the use of the interactive functions (e.g. sharing, rating, commenting, embedding). Alternatively, you can also access the study or work-related information offered via this page on our website at www.hwg-lu.de.

1. data processed by YouTube:

Information on what data is processed by YouTube and for what purposes it is used can be found in YouTube's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en.

The HWG LU has no influence on the scope of the data processed by YouTube, the type of processing and use or the disclosure of this data to third parties. Nor does it have any effective control options in this respect.

By using YouTube, your personal data will be collected, transferred, stored, disclosed and used by YouTube LLC and transferred to, stored and used in the United States and any other country in which YouTube LLC does business, regardless of your place of residence.

On the one hand, YouTube processes your voluntarily entered data such as name and user name, e-mail address and telephone number.

On the other hand, YouTube also evaluates the content you share to determine which topics you are interested in, stores and processes confidential messages that you send directly to other users and can determine your location using GPS data, wireless network information or your IP address in order to send you advertising or other content.

YouTube LLC may use analysis tools such as Google Analytics for evaluation purposes. HWG LU has no influence on the use of such tools by YouTube LLC and has not been informed of such potential use. If tools of this kind are used by YouTube for the HWG LU account, HWG LU has neither commissioned nor approved this nor supported it in any other way. The data obtained during the analysis is also not made available. Only certain non-personal information about YouTube activity, such as the reach of a video, can be viewed by HWG LU via its account. Furthermore, HWG LU has no way of preventing or disabling the use of such tools on its YouTube account.

Finally, YouTube also receives information when you view content, for example, even if you have not created an account. This so-called "log data" may include your IP address, browser type, operating system, information about the websites you visit, your location, your mobile provider, the device you use (including device ID and application ID), the search terms you use and cookie information.

YouTube buttons or widgets integrated into websites and the use of cookies enable YouTube to record your visits to these websites and, if necessary, assign them to your YouTube profile. This data can be used to tailor content or advertising to you. Accordingly, HWG LU refrains from using such buttons and widgets on its own websites.

Due to the fact that YouTube LLC. is a non-European provider, it is not bound by German data protection regulations according to its own interpretation. This affects, for example, your rights to information, blocking or deletion of data or the option to object to the use of usage data for advertising purposes.

You have the option of restricting the processing of your data in the general settings under "History and data protection". On mobile devices (smartphones, tablet computers), you can also restrict YouTube's access to contact and calendar data, photos, location data, etc. in the settings options there. However, this depends on the operating system used.

Further information on these points is available on the following YouTube support page: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de#infochoices°.

Information about the conclusions drawn about you or data collected by YouTube or Google can be found here: https://myactivity.google.com/?utm_source=my-account&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=my-acct-promo.

Information on the available personalization and data protection setting options can be found here (with further links): https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=de#infochoices°.

You also have the option of querying the information stored about you by Google services such as YouTube: https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/162744?hl=de.

2 Data processed by HWG LU:

HWG LU also processes your data. It does not itself collect any data about your YouTube account or your YouTube usage behavior. However, the data you enter on YouTube, in particular your user name and the content published under your account, will be processed by us to the extent that we may share your videos on our own channel after consultation. This may be the case, for example, if you work as a researcher or employee at the HWG LU or at external scientific institutions and have produced a thematically relevant video as part of your work. The data you may have published and distributed on YouTube will be included by the HWG LU in its offer and made available to its subscribers.

3. rights, documentation:

If you have any questions about our information offering, you can contact us at info@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de. You can assert your rights to information, blocking or deletion of data with our data protection officer: datenschutz@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de.

You can find the current version of this privacy policy here. In the event of changes to the privacy policy, you will find the previous versions linked.

The concept on which the offer is based can be found under the corresponding menu item: YouTube usage concept. This usage concept is regularly evaluated by us with regard to whether and how it is used. This evaluation of the usage concept takes place regularly and takes into account the usage figures and reach as well as the target group structure and usage behavior of the networks.

Further information on YouTube and other social networks and how you can protect your data can also be found at www.youngdata.de

Status: January 2026

The subscription of other YouTube users by the HWG LU does not imply any statement about the relationship of the HWG LU to them or the content published by them. In particular, it does not imply any approval or recommendation for their followers. Rather, the HWG LU sees subscribing to other YouTube users as a way of networking with other bodies, persons and institutions for the rapid dissemination and knowledge of information relevant to higher education.

This also means that the HWG LU will not automatically subscribe to all of its followers. Also, the non-subscription of users by the HWG LU has no meaningful content, in particular it does not mean a rejection or disinterest of the HWG LU towards them.

Manner and purpose of use

The LU HWG uses its account mainly for its own video contributions and the sharing of other video contributions in the manner described in its usage concept. In selected cases, it will also respond to comments, insofar as this involves the exchange of information on university-related topics. For all types of inquiries, contact options outside of YouTube are primarily available, such as emails to: info@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de. Detailed advice, for example on studying, is not provided, but the relevant telephone and e-mail contacts of the HWG LU are referred to via a website link.

YouTube and data protection

The use of YouTube by the HWG LU does not imply any endorsement of this medium or the company or the privacy policy of YouTube, LLC.

The HWG LU recommends that all users inform themselves about the processing of their data by YouTube and protect their privacy as much as possible: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2801895?hl=de. This includes reading the privacy policy of YouTube, LLC: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7671399?p=privacy_guidelines&hl=en&visit_id=636712289459742518-3880821460&rd=1. Key aspects are also summarized in the HWG LU's own privacy policyon its use of YouTube.

In addition, every user should at least make the following settings to protect their privacy

• Only open a user account with the data that is absolutely necessary
• Deactivate the widget function
• Prevent cross-page tracking (for example by using the Ghostery add-on in the browser)

Status: January 2026

We do not tolerate offensive or illegal posts on our social media pages. In particular, please refrain from

• Threats, bullying, harassment, insults, degradation, slurs, insinuations, defamation, slander and hate speech in any form
• Posts with attitudes/views that are xenophobic, sexist or discriminatory towards minorities, communities or individuals
• Posts that explicitly represent party-political, religious and/or ideological content and goals
• endorsement, incitement or glorification of violence, war, discrimination, unconstitutional or anti-democratic acts
• pornographic or sadistic depictions

Do not post any advertising or spam.

• Any commercial content will be removed immediately.
• It is also not permitted to use social networks to send advertising or other marketing content to others via private messages (spam).

Respect privacy and anonymity! Please help us to protect the privacy and rights of other users. Do not disclose any personal/private details of other people, regardless of whether they are also users of the network or not. This primarily includes name, address and other personal data, but also photos/videos. Please bear in mind that it may be difficult to delete the data completely at a later date.

As a user of the site, respect copyright and intellectual property rights! In particular, make sure that you have the rights to distribute the content, photos, works of art or other works protected by copyright, trademark or naming rights that you have published. By posting certain content, you confirm that you have the necessary permission to do so. You also consent to the further use of this content on the various social media pages of HWG LU.

"Watch what you say!" There is nothing wrong with being informal and using dialect or colloquial language, but no offensive language, swear words or the like will be tolerated. Nor will sexist remarks be tolerated. Remain friendly and tolerant! Even if you feel attacked or offended by a post/comment, remain objective and fair. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, you are welcome to let us know. The easiest way to do this is to send a direct message to the site administrator or email the HWG LU social media officer at hochschulkommunikation@hwg-lu.de.

To make the exchange accessible and understandable for everyone, please only post in German or English.

The comments, opinions and links posted by users on the social media pages operated by HWG LU do not necessarily reflect the opinion of HWG LU. Furthermore, copyrighted works or trademarks of the HWG LU may not be used without the prior written consent of the university.

All posts must have a concrete, direct reference to the activities of the HWG LU and comments must relate to the post commented on. In case of doubt, the respective site administrator should be contacted before posting.

Posts/content that violate the principles formulated here will be removed immediately. The author will be informed and admonished.

Users who ignore the netiquette of our social media pages despite repeated warnings will be excluded from using our social media pages. Depending on the type of content and/or the intensity of the insult, discrimination, threat, etc., we reserve the right to report this incident and the user to the respective site provider. These all have their own community standards, which also form the basis of our netiquette. As an example, we refer here to the Facebook Community Standards: https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards/

It is not possible for us to check all of our users' posts immediately. The page administrators can therefore not be held responsible or liable for the content of the comments. Rather, each user is responsible for his/her own contributions. We would like to point out that comments that violate applicable law are also subject to criminal prosecution on the Internet and can be reported to the police - by HWG LU or by users.

Status: January 2026