Instagram Information

The University of Mannheim uses the Instagram news service via the technical platform and services of Meta Platforms Inc., 1601 Willow Road Menlo Park, CA 94025: https://www.facebook.com/UniMannheim/

The controller responsible for processing of data from persons residing outside the United States is Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., 4 Grand Canal Square, Grand Canal Harbour, Dublin 2, Ireland.

We would like to point out that you use the Instagram profile and its features at your own risk. This applies in particular to the use of interactive features (e.g. sharing, evaluating, commenting). Alternatively, you can also access the study or work-related information offered on this page on our website at www.uni-mannheim.de.

1. Data processed by Instagram
Information about which data is processed by Instagram and for what purposes can be found in Instagram’s privacy policy: https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388/

The University of Mannheim has no influence on the type and scope of the data processed by Instagram, the type of processing and use or the transfer of this data to third parties. nor does it have any effective means of control in this regard.

When you use Instagram, your personal data is collected, transferred, stored, disclosed, and used by Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. and, regardless of your place of residence, transferred to the United States, Ireland, and any other country in which Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd. does business, where it is stored and used.

Instagram processes the data you voluntarily enter, such as your name and user name, email address, telephone number, or the contacts in your address book if you upload or synchronize it.

Instagram also evaluates the content you share to determine what topics you are interested in, stores and processes confidential messages that you send directly to other users, and can determine your location based on GPS data, information about wireless networks, or your IP address to send you advertising or other content.

Instagram may use analysis tools such as Instagram Insights or Google Analytics for evaluation purposes. The University of Mannheim has no influence on the use of such tools by Instagram and has not been informed of any such potential use. Should tools of this kind be used by Instagram for the University of Mannheim's Instagram profile, the University of Mannheim has neither commissioned nor approved this, nor does it support it in any other way. Furthermore, the personal data obtained during the analysis will not be made available to you. Only certain non-personal, aggregated information about the activity, such as the number of likes or clicks on a specific post or profile, can be viewed by the University of Mannheim via your account. Furthermore, the University of Mannheim has no way of preventing or stopping the use of such tools on its Instagram profile.

Through widgets embedded in websites and the use of cookies, Instagram is able to track your visits to these websites and associate them with your Instagram profile. This data can be used to tailor content or advertising to you.

Even though Instagram is a non-European provider with a European branch only in Ireland, it is bound by the GDPR. This concerns, for example, your right of access as well as your right to have your data blocked or erased.

You can restrict the processing of your data in the general settings of your Instagram profile under the various menu items listed there.

Further information on these points is available on the following Instagram support page:
https://help.instagram.com/519522125107875

You can find out more about how to view and download your own data from Instagram at https://help.instagram.com/181231772500920

Information about the conclusions Instagram draws about you is provided at https://help.instagram.com/181231772500920 and https://help.instagram.com/155833707900388/

Information on the available personalization and data protection setting options is provided at https://help.instagram.com/116024195217477

You also have the option of sending data protection concerns and objections directly to Instagram using a form: https://help.instagram.com/contact/1845713985721890

Information on your rights to object to data processing by Instagram are provided at https://help.instagram.com/contact/1845713985721890

2. Data processed by the University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim also processes your data. It does not collect any data via its Instagram profile. However, we process the data you enter on Instagram, in particular your user name and the content published under your account, to the extent that we may share or comment on your posts or write posts that refer to your account. The data you freely publish and distribute on Instagram is thus included in the University of Mannheim's services and made available to its subscribers.

3. Rights, documentation, evaulation
If you have any questions about the information we provide, please contact us at infomail-uni-mannheim.de. You can exercise your rights to access, block, or delete data by contacting our data protection officer at datenschutzbeauftragte(at)uni-mannheim.de.

The concept for this offer can be found at the following Internet address: Instagram utilization plan. We will evaluate this utilization plan once a year to determine whether and how it is being used. This evaluation of the utilization plan will take into account usage figures and reach as well as the target group structure of the networks.

Further information on Instagram and other social networks and how you can protect your data are also provided at www.youngdata.de.

For generations, the University of Mannheim has been preparing students to take on leadership roles in business, academia, and society. One of the university’s strengths in this task is its profile, which is characterized by the economic and social sciences: In these two fields of research, the University of Mannheim has been ranked among the 20 best research universities in Europe for years.

Public relations work for the University of Mannheim also takes place on Instagram. With this utilization concept, the University of Mannheim is assuming its responsibility and role model function for using social media as a public body in accordance with the “Guidelines of the commissioner for data protection and freedom of information of Baden-Württemberg (LfDI) on the use of social networks by public bodies” (PDF) . Please also refer to our Data Protection Declaration and Impact assessment of the use of Instagram.

1. General information about Instagram
Instagram is a social network for photos and videos with short captions and short stories consisting of several photos and/or videos. Registered users can use this service to publish their content free of charge, network with other users or fan pages, comment on, like and share their posts. Users can subscribe to fan pages so that they can read their news in their own news feed. The advantages of Instagram are its wide reach and the use of hashtags to categorize and search for content by topic.

More information about Instagram are provided at: https://www.instagram.com/about/us/

2. Purpose of the Instagram use by the University of Mannheim
The Instagram profile is a useful addition to existing communication channels such as the website, press releases, newsletters, print products, and events. The Instagram profile helps paint a diverse picture of learning, teaching, research, and life at the University of Mannheim, which appeals to prospective students and increases the sense of identification that students and alumni feel toward their university.

For some target groups, the “traditional” tools alone (print products and website) were no longer sufficient. We have found that we can reach prospective students and students much more directly and quickly via Instagram, especially since interested recipients can simply subscribe to our profile. The Instagram profile enables us to disseminate our photos, stories, and impressions far and wide and to respond immediately to current events.

Instagram is also a channel for communication and listening. Students and prospective students can use this platform to contact their university with questions, suggestions or criticism in an easy and straightforward way. As a “listening medium”, Instagram enables the university to communicate closely and directly with its young target groups at eye level. Instagram can thus convey an informative, inviting, and human image of the higher education institution.

3. Type and scope of Instagram use by the University of Mannheim
The Instagram profile of the University of Mannheim informs users about colorful and interesting facts about the campus, but also about current university topics, events, and services. However, we do not use Instagram as a channel for providing advice. Inquiries that reach us via the Instagram messaging channel associated with the page are forwarded directly to the responsible department and referred to communication channels such as telephone and email.

Regular content of the University of Mannheim includes:

• information about campus life at the university, student organizations, and student involvement,
• interviews with students of the University of Mannheim
• information about university events and student organizations
• information about developments and changes on campus
• information on ranking results and other successes of the university
• information on semester dates such as re-registration or exam registration
• tips and links for applying

4. Responsibilities for editorial/technical support
Responsibility for editorial support lies with Dr. Andreas Margara and Linda Schädler as well as the associated communications and marketing departments, in particular the social media editorial team.

5. Alternative information and contact options
We would like to point out to users that the Instagram profile is only an additional option for contacting the University of Mannheim or obtaining information from it. Alternatively, the information offered can also be accessed via the corresponding links on our website at www.uni-mannheim.de or on the other linked websites.

All requests can be sent to our central mailbox at infomail-uni-mannheim.de. Press inquiries can be sent to pressemail-uni-mannheim.de. The social media team can be reached at instagrammail-uni-mannheim.de.

The University of Mannheim can be reached by telephone at +49 621 181-2222. The hotline is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Postal address:
Universität Mannheim
Schloss
68131 Mannheim

You can find an overview of the various ways to get in touch with the University of Mannheim on the contact website.

6. Commitment
We will evaluate this utilization plan once a year to determine whether and how it is being used. This evaluation of the utilization plan will take into account usage figures and reach as well as the target group structure of the networks.

According to the general regulation in Art. 35 paragraph 1 of the European General Data Protection Regulation, a data protection impact assessment must be carried out if a form of processing, in particular using new technologies, is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons due to the nature, scope, context, and purposes of the processing. The guideline of the commissioner for data protection and freedom of information of Baden-Württemberg (LfDI) on the use of social networks by public (PDF)bodies makes it mandatory to assess the impact of the intended data processing for the protection of personal data based on the GDPR.

The Instagram services of the University of Mannheim itself do not have this impact due to the very small scope of the related data processing (cf. in this respect the Data protection information for Instagram of the University of Mannheim). However, some of the postings have a direct personal reference. When creating and publishing its own content, the University of Mannheim therefore ensures that the image rights of those depicted are taken into account in addition to the copyright of the photos. If the University of Mannheim 's posts refer to other Instagram users (by sharing or mentioning them), only the data that they themselves have voluntarily provided (user name and posts) will be processed.

However, from the perspective of the University of Mannheim , the use of Instagram itself represents a high risk due to its far-reaching impact with regard to the evaluation of data by Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd., to which Instagram belongs, for advertising purposes and the like, for which a data protection impact assessment must be carried out by Instagram.

By using an Instagram account, the respective user places themselves under systematic observation by Instagram. This may also reveal sensitive data such as political views, sexual orientation, or health problems, which can be linked and used to create a personality profile. Persons requiring special protection, such as minors, may also be Instagram users and thus data subjects. Sensitive data about them may also be collected through the collection of log data, such as the websites previously visited or the location data of the user.

This applies all the more as Instagram cannot be checked or can only be checked to a limited extent. As the data of users based in Germany are not processed in Germany but in Ireland, there are higher hurdles to accessing (judicial) legal protection than with a company based in Germany.

The University of Mannheim assumes that public bodies that use a social network for public relations work and to provide general information bear joint responsibility.

Joint responsibility does not mean that the University of Mannheim confirms or guarantees that the products of Instagram comply with data protection regulations. The University of Mannheim is unable to do this under the current circumstances. Joint responsibility rather means that the University of Mannheim makes itself and others aware of the risks of social networks. From a data protection perspective, social networks are currently in need of improvement in many areas. For this reason, the University of Mannheim shows Instagram users alternative, more data protection-friendly communication channels by referring to the homepage of the University of Mannheim.

Users are also informed about the general risks associated with the use of social media in the Data protection information for the Instagram profile of the University of Mannheim.

The University of Mannheim committed to these measures in its utilization plan . The advantages and disadvantages of using Instagram are regularly evaluated accordingly, taking into account the terms of use of Instagram. This evaluation of the utilization concept is carried out annually and takes into account the usage figures and reach as well as the target group structure and usage behavior of the networks.

Instagram use is thus embedded in a package of measures. Against this background, the impact assessment of the Instagram use by the University of Mannheim is as follows:

1. Risk identification
The risks described at the beginning, which are associated with the use of Instagram, generally exist independently of the University of Mannheim's own Instagram use. In the vast majority of cases, the postings of the University of Mannheim do not refer to sensitive personal data, but instead disseminate factual content.

Finally, the data processed through interaction with the University of Mannheim's Instagram pfoiles or other accounts—namely, the account name of an Instagram user visible in the comments—are already public/generally accessible/freely available on the Internet.

However, by appearing on the Instagram profile of the University of Mannheim and through the interrelationship with a broader/“more specific” public, the data are made available and may thus attract greater attention and wider dissemination than without this interaction. This also allows the university to assess a user’s interest in the University of Mannheim due to a user’s subscriber status or regular posts.

By using Instagram itself, the University of Mannheim increases the amount of data that is used and analyzed by Instagram.

2. Risk assessment
The expansion of the dissemination circle and the increase in linking options facilitates the processing of data for other purposes by Instagram and secret profiling. Openness to visitor contributions can also lead to negative social consequences such as inappropriate or discriminatory comments or the dissemination of sensitive data.

While these damages may be significant if caused by Instagram, they are only increased to a limited extent by the Instagram profile of the University of Mannheim . This is because a substantial part of the data is already available to Instagram. In particular, the services of the University of Mannheim do not lead to an obligation to create an Instagram account, as there are sufficient alternative contact and information options for the University of Mannheim.

Also, the topics of campus life, science, teaching, research etc. are only suitable for triggering hateful debates to a limited extent, so that the probability of damage occurring is very limited.

3. Risk assessment
Overall, the additional risk caused by the Instagram profile of the University of Mannheim can therefore be classified as low to medium.

It is also possible to implement remedial measures that further reduce the risk. The majority of these measures are within the sphere of the user: Users can protect themselves to a certain extent by making various settings, such as deleting their browser history, deactivating cookies or not sharing their location when using photos.

In addition, continuous editorial support enables us to intervene in the event of comments that are defamatory or offensive up to and including blocking the account. The University of Mannheim has formulated a netiquette for the use of its website and will ensure that users adhere to this netiquette when maintaining the site.

4. Result
The use of Instagram by the University of Mannheim is justifiable in view of the risks described and the binding measures established. The University of Mannheim commits to monitoring further developments and to regularly repeating and, if necessary, further developing the review carried out.

Networking and communication with other Instagram profiles
Subscribing to or liking other Instagram profiles or liking posts or comments by the University of Mannheim does not imply any statement about the relationship of the University of Mannheim to these profiles or the content published by them. In particular, it does not imply any approval or recommendation for its subscribers. Rather, the University of Mannheim sees subscribing to other profiles or liking posts and comments as an opportunity to network with other bodies, individuals, and institutions for the rapid dissemination and sharing of information related to the university.

The University of Mannheim will not subscribe to all of its subscribers. The University of Mannheim's decision not to subscribe to a profile does not imply any statement, in particular it does not imply rejection or disinterest on the part of the University of Mannheim towards the respective profile.

Type and purpose of use
The University of Mannheim uses its Instagram profile for its own posts and reposts in accordance with the manner described in its utilization plan. It can also be contacted via direct messages and will respond to comments where appropriate, provided that these relate to the exchange of information on university-related topics. For all types of requests, contact options outside of Instagram are available, such as emails to: infomail-uni-mannheim.de. Detailed advice, e.g. on programs, is not provided; instead, a website link to the relevant telephone and email contacts of the University of Mannheim will be provided.

Instagram and data protection
The use of Instagram by the University of Mannheim does not imply any endorsement of this medium or the company or Instagram's privacy policy. The University of Mannheim recommends that all users inform themselves about the processing of their data by Instagram and protect their privacy as much as possible: This includes reading Instagram's privacy policy. Key aspects are also summarized in the University of Mannheim's own data protection declaration on its use of Instagram.

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

• open a user account only with the data that are absolutely necessary
• disable the widget function
• prevent cross-site tracking (for example, by using the Ghostery add-on in your browser)

1. We do not tolerate offensive or illegal postings on this social media page. In particular, please refrain from:
   • threats, bullying, harassment, insults, degrading comments, defamation, slander, malicious gossip, and hate speech in any form
   • posts expressing attitudes/views that are xenophobic, sexist, or discriminatory toward minorities, communities, or individuals
   • posts that explicitly represent party political, religious, and/or ideological content and goals
   • approving, triggering, or glorifying: violence, war, discrimination, unconstitutional, or anti-democratic acts
   • pornographic or sadistic depictions.
2. 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).
3. Respect privacy and anonymity! Please help us to protect the privacy and rights of other users. Do not disclose any personal/private details about other people, regardless of whether they are also users of the network or not. This primarily includes names, addresses, and other personal information, as well as photos/videos. Keep in mind that it may be difficult to delete such data completely at a later time.
4. As a user of this website, please respect copyright and intellectual property rights. In particular, please ensure that you have the rights to distribute the content, photos, artwork, or other works protected by copyright, trademark, or name rights that you publish on these social media pages. 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 sites of the University of Mannheim.
5. “Be careful what you say!” While it's fine to be casual and use dialect or colloquial language, offensive language, swear words, or similar expressions are not tolerated. Likewise, sexist remarks are not tolerated. Please remain friendly and tolerant! Even if you feel attacked or insulted by a post or comment, remain objective and fair. If you feel that you have been treated unfairly, please let us know. The easiest way to do this is to send a direct message to the page administrators or an email to the university's social media coordinators at instagrammail-uni-mannheim.de.
6. To make the exchange accessible and understandable for everyone, please post only in German or English.
7. The comments, opinions, and links posted by users on social media pages operated on behalf of the University of Mannheim do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the University of Mannheim. Furthermore, copyrighted works or trademarks of the University of Mannheim may not be used without the prior written consent of the University.
8. All posts must have a concrete, direct connection to the University of Mannheim. In case of doubt, the respective page administrator should be contacted before posting.
9. Posts/content that violate the principles defined here will be removed immediately.
10. 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 nature of the content and/or the intensity of the insult, discrimination, threat, etc., we reserve the right to report the incident and the user to the respective site provider. These providers all have their own community standards, which also form the basis of our netiquette. As an example, we refer to the Facebook Community Standards provided at https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards/.
11. We are unable to review all postings in a timely manner. Therefore, administrators cannot be held responsible or liable for the content of comments. Each user is responsible for their own contributions. We would like to point out that you can be prosecuted for comments violating applicable law even when they are posted online and you can be reported by the University of Mannheim or by other users.