The Mozilla Hubs terms and conditions of use were created on September 21, 2023. By actively using Mozilla Hubs you agree to the new terms and conditions of use.

1. Basic information about Mozilla Hubs Cloud and these terms and conditions of use

Vienna University of Economics and Business (hereinafter referred to as WU) provides a virtual collaboration platform named Mozilla Hubs Cloud (hereinafter referred to as Hubs or the Platform) at the URLs virtualcampus.space and engage-virtualcampus.eu.

Hubs is an additional service provided by WU on a voluntary basis. There is no legal entitlement to using this virtual collaboration platform.

It is a cloud-based service from Mozilla Corporation, running on an AWS server located in Ireland. Hubs is an open-source WebVR service that can be configured and accessed in most web browsers. As a result, it offers an easy and convenient user experience, using an access link in the browser, and has very low hardware requirements, despite offering very advanced graphics. It can therefore be used with a variety of devices, such as virtual reality headsets, desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Every user who follows a specific access link is placed in the same virtual room, selects an avatar (their virtual appearance), and can communicate with other users after activating the microphone.

WU reserves the right to make changes or additions to these terms and conditions of use at any time without notice and without providing reasons.

The rules for using Hubs are found in these terms and conditions of use. They are supplemented by the respective currently valid versions of:

• The WU terms and conditions of use regarding IT services, available here:https://www.wu.ac.at/en/it/security/policy

• The WU House Regulations, available here: https://www.wu.ac.at/fileadmin/wu/h/strategy/documents/Hausordnung_EN.pdf

• The WU Code of Conduct, available here: https://www.wu.ac.at/fileadmin/wu/h/strategy/documents/Code_of_Conduct_EN.pdf

• The WE@WU student code of conduct, available here: https://www.wu.ac.at/en/students/wu-campus/code-of-conduct

Users must agree to the currently valid terms and conditions of use to access the virtual rooms on Hubs.

The terms and conditions of use for Hubs apply regardless of the location from where Hubs is accessed and govern the use of the Platform.

These terms and conditions of use have been drawn up in German. In case of any discrepancies between the German text and this English translation, the German version shall prevail. If individual provisions of these terms and conditions of use are or become invalid, this shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

2. What is the purpose of Hubs?

The Platform is provided by WU and aims to support online communication and collaboration in the context of teaching, studying, and research, as well as other tasks and activities, especially in an international context, and provides virtual environments and digital content.

The content provided and the use of the communication options must therefore always be related to WU’s academic programs, research, and WU’s operations.

3. Who can use Hubs?

Hubs is available to WU students and WU employees as well as to external third parties, such as students and employees of international partner universities who are given access to the Platform by WU. This group is hereinafter collectively referred to as “Authorized Users.”

The access links to Hubs and the virtual rooms in Hubs are personalized and must not be shared with other people.

4. Use of Hubs

Hubs can be used via web browsers using VR headsets, desktop computers, and laptops, as well as tablets and smartphones.

5. Who is responsible for what?

WU is responsible for providing access to Hubs, for organizational regulations, and for support. WU does not guarantee that Hubs will function without interruption or error (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or that any errors will be corrected.

WU cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content or the legality of any content or information posted by the Authorized Users.

Without exception, WU is not liable for service disruptions and damages that occur or are contributed to by hardware or software used by the Authorized Users. This includes any damage that is incidental or consequential to the use of the content.

The person who makes the content available on Hubs or generates content on Hubs is solely responsible for the legality of this specific content. By using the functionalities available on Hubs (e.g microphone, camera recordings, uploads, etc.), Users assure that the use of the content in question is lawful, in particular that content is not being used for illegal purposes, that copyrights and personal rights have been observed, and that no discriminatory, extremist, or pornographic content is being disseminated.

6. What obligations apply to Authorized Users?

The following obligations are particularly relevant for Authorized Users:

• Reading and understanding the terms and conditions of use and using Hubs in accordance with the terms and conditions of use.

• Responsible handling of access and login data. Login data may never be passed on to third parties. Any actual or suspected loss or misuse must be reported to the support team (hotline@wu.ac.at) immediately.

• Maintaining a friendly and respectful tone in all interactions and, in particular, refraining from defamatory or otherwise personally offensive statements as well as from making inaccurate and purely subjective comments, e.g. about courses.

If content is made available, Users shall indemnify and hold WU harmless from and against all claims asserted by third parties in connection with the provision of such content. With regard to WU employees, all operational agreements and the Employees’ Liability Act (Dienstnehmerhaftpflichtgesetz) shall remain unaffected.

7. What do Authorized Users need to be aware of?

All applicable laws must be observed when using Hubs. In particular, in the communication channels, e.g. in chats, it is not permitted to post links to, disseminate, access, and/or save content that violates existing laws, in particular content that is pornographic, depicts or glorifies violence, is offensive, or discriminatory (e.g. attacks on gender, sexual orientation, origin, religion, or political views).

Viruses, chain emails, unsolicited email advertising, and any other forms of malware may not be deliberately used or distributed.

Authorized Users must refrain from any misuse or inappropriate use of Hubs. 

The Platform may only be used for university-related or academic activities in a WU context, i.e. for teaching, administration, degree programs, study-related purposes, and research, or other WU operations and activities. Offering content, e.g. games or software, that is not related to university operations or academic activities is therefore not permitted.

Authorized Users may only use the Platform contents for university-related or academic purposes carried out in connection with WU. This means in particular that Authorized Users are not permitted to:

• Make content publicly available (e.g. post content online on other platforms or social media such as Facebook or similar)

• Use content commercially (e.g. sell content)

• Process (e.g. translate) content for any non-university or non-academic purposes It is not permitted to edit or translate the learning materials and disseminate them for non-university, non-academic purposes. In particular, the compilation of learning materials into lecture notes (using “copy and paste” or typing) and their distribution is expressly prohibited.

By uploading or using content on Hubs, no exploitation rights are granted to WU, nor are the rights of use of the holders of these rights limited in any way.

It is not permitted to bypass technical protection measures.

8. What rules apply for uploading/linking digital content?

WU is responsible solely for the operation of the Platform and not for the content provided there. Any Authorized User who makes content available on Hubs is responsible for compliance with the applicable legal regulations (especially copyright and data protection regulations).

WU does not view, review, or monitor the stored and available content, neither before it is put online nor afterwards. The following types of files/content can be shared by uploading or linking them: images, PDFs, audio files and videos, 360° photos/videos, and 3D objects

By sharing, these data become visible/accessible to all participants who are in the same virtual room. If a participant leaves the room, their shared content disappears by default, unless the content has been made permanent (pinned) in the room. In this case, the pinned content remains available until the room is deleted.

Webcam / screen sharing:
Authorized users can share their webcam, individual applications, or the content of individual windows with the participants of the virtual room in question using the screen sharing function. Sharing the contents of the entire screen is not recommended, particularly with regard to data protection, personal privacy, and copyright issues.

9. What happens if the terms and conditions of use are violated?

The content provided on Hubs may be protected by copyright. If materials are resold, for example, this may have consequences under both civil and criminal law.

WU is entitled to block access to the Hubs platform in the event of a violation of the applicable terms and conditions of use. This includes cases where there is a concrete and justified suspicion of a violation.

WU is also entitled to remove content that violates existing laws or does not meet university teaching objectives without prior notice.

10. What types of data are processed?

WU processes personal data in connection with the provision of learning content and the organization of learning processes using Hubs. In this connection, Amazon Web Services (AWS) acts as a data processor within the meaning of Art. 28 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

In the context of the use of Hubs, data of Authorized Users (name, email address, profile picture if applicable), the objects created (e.g. uploads of presentations, avatars, drawings), log data, and certain communication content (chat content) are processed.

The processing is carried out for the purpose of implementing and supporting courses and for providing teaching and learning content and communication in courses. The legal basis for the processing includes compliance with a legal obligation pursuant to Art. 6 (1) item c of the GDPR, the performance of a task carried out in the public interest pursuant to Art. 6 (1) item e of the GDPR, Art. 89 of the GDPR (scientific research purposes), the Universities Act 2002 (Universitätsgesetz, UG) and the Act on the Organization of Research (Forschungsorganisationsgesetz, FOG)..

The Authorized Users’ data processed in this connection will be deleted by the end of the semester in which the respective course was held, and the log data or communication content will be anonymized in this process. Any objects created, e.g. images, videos, will be deleted upon expiry of the storage period indicated below.

Technical data: WU processes data about the devices that you use to interact with Hubs, as well as data about your operating system, the names and versions of the browsers you use, and other data necessary for loading up and running a room.

User data: The email address required for using Hubs must be confirmed by email when logging in, using an authentication code sent to the user. For further processing steps, an ID number is generated and assigned to each email address.

Avatar data: The avatars and names selected by the Authorized Users are shared with the other users in the room and the room host/administrator. The avatar selection is stored locally in the Authorized User’s browser.

Interaction data: Hubs receives and processes movement and interaction data of the Authorized Users. WU reserves the right to store and process these movement and interaction data for academic research purposes for as long as necessary.

Chat: Messages are sent to the users in the room. The messages, i.e. the chat history, are retained only as long as any users are present in the virtual room.

Audio data: When using a microphone, Hubs receives and processes audio signals and sends them to other users in the room. These audio signals are not stored by Hubs.

Custom avatars: If Authorized Users sign up with their email address, they can create and upload a custom avatar. The 3D model of the avatar, including the assigned name, is stored on the server and linked to the Authorized User. These avatars are linked to their creators and are available to them until they delete the avatar.

Virtual camera: The virtual camera tool allows Authorized Users to take photos and videos within the virtual room. During recording, a red camera icon is displayed next to the name of the respective Authorized User. These recordings are automatically shared within the room. This data is visible to other Authorized Users until the Authorized User who created the recording deletes it or leaves the room. When you pin an object in the room, Hubs stores these files until the object or room is deleted. Unpinned files are deleted from the server after 48 hours.

Images, videos, and objects:  Hubs receives all supported file formats such as PDF, JPEG, PNG, MP3, MP4, GLB, and URLs to process them and show them in the room. These data are stored until the Authorized User who created them leaves the room. When you pin an object in the room, Hubs stores these files until the object or room is deleted. Unpinned files are deleted from the server after 48 hours.

As a data subject in the context of these data processing operations, you have the following rights vis-a-vis WU: information and access, rectification, deletion, restriction of data processing, data portability, and objection. Further information on your rights as a data subject is available on our web pages at https://www.wu.ac.at/en/data-protection-at-wu/your-rights-as-a-data-subject/.

11. Which law applies and which court has jurisdiction?

Austrian law shall apply to any disputes arising from these terms and conditions of use, excluding its conflict-of-laws rules. The place of jurisdiction is the competent court in Vienna.