We, KWS UK Limited (hereinafter also referred to as “KWS”, “we” or “us”) examine the quality of the cultivation areas and the cultivated crops in the interest of customers. For this purpose, we photograph fields with systems from above and evaluate the data received. For this purpose, we use different systems with different camera systems which we control or move automatically across the agricultural areas.
We take the protection of your personal data very seriously. We always make every effort not to include any persons, vehicle license plates, etc. In the following privacy notice, we explain the handling of possible accidental recordings of persons or other personal data (“personal recordings”).
1. Data processing controller
The controller of the data processing within the meaning of Article 4(7) of the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (“UK GDPR”) is KWS UK Limited, Thriplow, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7RE, United Kingdom.
2. Contact details
KWS UK Ltd.
56 Church Street
Thriplow, Royston, Hertfordshire
SG8 7RE, United Kingdom
E-mail: dataprotection.kwsuk@kws.com
3. What type of personal data can be seen on the photographs produced by the systems?
If, in exceptional cases, photos of persons are taken, this may include, for example: photos of people or their faces, outlines or license plates.
4. On what legal basis do we process these data?
The legal basis for the processing of photos of persons, even if they are taken accidentally, is Article 6(1)(f) UK GDPR. KWS has a legitimate interest in taking pictures of the cultivation areas for its customers. This includes very rare and random recordings of persons or the like, since KWS immediately and irrevocably deletes random photos of persons or makes person-related data unrecognizable. Due to the fastest possible deletion or rendering the person unrecognizable, this interest also outweighs the interest of the affected persons in the protection of his or her personal data.
5. Why and for which purpose do we process your data?
The purpose of the image processing is to assess the quality of cultivation areas and crops for our customers. KWS has no interest in person-related photos and therefore does not pursue any specific purposes with regard to the randomly processed data. KWS also does not attempt to link photos with other personal data such as name or address. If we take photos of persons by chance, we delete them immediately or make the person-related data unrecognizable.
6. Do we share your data with third parties? Who is the recipient of your data? Do we send your personal data to other countries?
KWS does not share photographs that accidentally contain identifiable individuals with any third party.
Insofar as legally permissible and necessary to comply with applicable law or assert, exercise, or defend legal claims, KWS forwards personal data to courts, public authorities or law firms.
KWS works with internal and external service providers (processors), such as service providers for IT maintenance services. These service providers may only act in accordance with the instructions of KWS and are contractually obligated to comply with the applicable data protection requirements.
As the photographs are stored locally, we do not generally transfer them outside the United Kingdom. However, some of our IT service providers may be located outside the United Kingdom and may require limited access for support purposes. Where this involves an international transfer of personal data, we rely on UK adequacy regulations or implement appropriate safeguards in accordance with Article 46 UK GDPR.
7. How long do we store your personal data?
Personal data are stored on local storage media (PCs, tablets, etc.). There, the photos are checked and personal data are deleted or made unrecognizable as quickly as possible.
8. What rights do you have?
Within the context of the applicable legal provisions, you have certain rights related to your personal data. Please note that there are certain exceptions to the exercising of these rights, and you therefore cannot exercise them in all cases.
- Your right of access: You have the right to obtain information about all personal data stored by KWS about you. Certain exemptions may apply, meaning that you may not receive all the information you request.
- Your right to rectification: You have the right to ask us to correct personal information you consider inaccurate or complete information you consider incomplete.
- Your right to erasure: You have the right to ask us to delete your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Your right to restriction of processing: You have the right to ask us to limit how we use your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Your right to data portability: You have the right to ask us to transfer personal information you provided to us to another organisation or to you in certain circumstances.
- Your right to withdraw consent: Where we rely on consent as our lawful basis, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
We may need to request specific information from you to help us confirm your identity and ensure your right to access the information or to exercise any of your other rights. This helps us to ensure that personal data is not disclosed to any person who has no right to receive it. No fee is required to make a request unless your request is clearly unfounded or excessive. Depending on the circumstances, we may be unable to comply with your request based on other lawful grounds.
Right to object
Right to object to processing based on legitimate interests
Where we process your personal data on the basis of legitimate interests, you may object at any time on grounds relating to your particular situation. We will stop the processing unless we demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds that override your interests, rights and freedoms or the processing is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims.
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the contact details provided in Section 2.
If you remain unhappy with how we have used your personal data after raising a complaint with us, you can also complain to the UK data protection authority, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
Last updated
Royston, June 30, 2026