The person responsible for the collection, processing, and use of your personal data is:
Marina May
Helmut-Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg
Comparative Democracy Research (Master’s Program)
E-mail: marina@maymasterproject.com

2. Purpose of Data Processing
The data is collected as part of a master's thesis at Helmut-Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg in the Comparative Democracy Research program. The processing is carried out exclusively for scientific purposes. While publication of the study results cannot be ruled out at this time, it is considered unlikely.

Processing is based on Article 6(1)(a) GDPR (consent) and Article 6(1)(f) GDPR (legitimate interest in scientific research).

3. Categories of Data Collected
The following data is collected through the questionnaire:

• Demographic data (age, gender, education level, political orientation, federal state of residence)
• Use of social media
• Political attitudes and experiences
• Political-social stress and coping strategies
• Open-text responses (optional)

The survey is conducted in complete anonymity. The questionnaire is provided via the SoSci Survey platform. IP addresses or any other traceable data are not stored.

4. Legal Basis for Processing
Participation in this study is voluntary. Data processing is based on your consent under Article 6(1)(a) GDPR. You can withdraw your consent at any time while completing the questionnaire. Withdrawal will not result in any disadvantages. However, anonymized data that has already been processed cannot be deleted retrospectively, as it can no longer be linked to a specific person.

5. Data Storage and Retention
The data is stored on the university's servers (OneDrive) at Helmut-Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg to ensure additional protection. Data will only be stored for as long as is necessary for scientific research purposes. All non-anonymized data will be deleted upon completion of the master's thesis.

6. Data Sharing
Your data will not be shared with third parties. The results of the study may be published in aggregated, anonymized form. Identifying individual participants is not possible.

7. Participation in the Prize Draw
At the end of the questionnaire, participants are given the option to enter a prize draw by providing an email address. This submission is voluntary and is completely separate from the questionnaire responses. The email address will be used solely for the prize draw and will be deleted once the draw has been completed.

8. Your Rights as a Data Subject
Under the GDPR, you have the following rights:

• Right of access (Article 15 GDPR)
• Right to rectification of incorrect data (Article 16 GDPR)
• Right to erasure (“right to be forgotten,” Article 17 GDPR)
• Right to restriction of processing (Article 18 GDPR)
• Right to object to processing (Article 21 GDPR)
• Right to data portability (Article 20 GDPR)

To exercise your rights, please contact the data controller listed above.

9. Contacting the Data Protection Authority
If you believe that the processing of your data is not in compliance with data protection regulations, you have the right to file a complaint with the relevant data protection authority:

The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information
Ludwig-Erhard-Str. 22, 20459 Hamburg
Telephone: +49 40 428 54 - 4040
E-mail: mailbox@datenschutz.hamburg.de

10. Consent Declaration
By submitting the questionnaire, you agree to the described processing of your data.

Last Updated: 17th March 2025