Zalando : Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1 and United Internet form a log-in alliance – Zalando is their first partner

Creation of a cross-sector, open standard in line with the new European data protection law - after its launch 45 million users will be able to log in to partner websites easily and securely - transparency and control over personal user data - open to additional partner companies

The aim of the log-in alliance is to provide a simple, secure solution that manages opt-ins for the use of Internet services in a way that is transparent and compliant with data protection laws. To achieve this, the partners are developing an open standard that allows customers to use the same log-in credentials to access all of the cross-sector Internet services that are part of the initiative, instead of having to repeatedly enter different log-in details for each Internet service.

In addition, users are able to effectively exercise data sovereignty: Each user has access to a standardised privacy centre from their account provider, which gives users improved transparency

over and control of their personal data. This allows users to manage their data, change their password and grant or revoke permissions, all from a single location.

User data is only passed between the account provider and services with approval from the user. By giving their consent, users are able to do away with repeated manual inputting of data and time- consuming creation of new accounts that may have different passwords. This reduces the risk of forgetting log-in details for services that are not used regularly, and simplifies the familiarisation process for new Internet services.

From the planned release date in 2018, it will also be possible to use the same details to access services from partners involved in the initiative. This means that users can, for example, use their single sign- on account not just to watch TV NOW from Mediengruppe RTL and the ProSieben live stream, but also to check emails on WEB.DE and GMX, and to shop online at Zalando. With a total of over 45 million unique users each month (source: Working Group for Online Media Research [Arbeitsgemeinschaft Online-Forschung]), the reach enjoyed by the three founding companies of the project constitutes the critical mass that is essential if the project is to succeed.

The log-in alliance is explicitly open to other partners and other initiatives - the offer to use the open single sign-on is available to all Internet services. In addition, the account provider's data storage facilities are guaranteed to be inside the EU. Certification and standards compliance is ensured by audits being performed regularly.

Thomas Ebeling, CEO of ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE: "With our alliance, we are adding substantial value for the customer. At the same time, we are strengthening the German digital market by counterbalancing the monopolistic and unclear algorithms used by US players. The initiative has been deliberately designed as an open standard. Other companies are more than welcome to join us."

Anke Schäferkordt, CEO of Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland GmbH: "Our log-in alliance offers users a simple registration and log-in procedure for accessing the content and services provided by our partners. It gives our users transparency and full control of how their personal data is used online. Each additional company that joins our initiative increases the benefit to customers and at the same time strengthens the German digital economy."

Ralph Dommermuth, CEO and founder of United Internet AG: "The log-in alliance places great importance on open, platform-neutral standards in conjunction with the strict EU data protection law

that will come into force in May 2018. Our common goal is to provide consumers with a secure, European alternative to registering with different internet services. Our initiative is an important step towards increased data sovereignty for users. At the same time, we are increasing the competitiveness of the European digital economy."

Robert Gentz, founder and Co-CEO of Zalando SE: "For us, the customer always comes first. As the leading online fashion platform in Europe, this means that we also need to be a pioneer in the area of personalized services, which includes a secure and simple log-in solution and more transparent data management. Both of these are made possible thanks to the new alliance."

The log-in alliance creates an open standard for cross-sector cooperation. This approach sets itself apart from centralised and proprietary ecosystems for user and usage data. The partners plan to implement the new log-in service and personal privacy centre this year and to make it available to customers in 2018. The alliance is also open to creating common standards alongside other initiatives.

Tel.: +49 (0) 221/456-74200

Email: cordelia.wagner@mediengruppe-rtl.de

Tel.: +49 (0) 89/9507-8920

Email: marcus.prosch@prosiebensat1.com

Press office for WEB.DE/GMX Jörg Fries-Lammers

Tel.: +49 (0) 2602/96-1238

Email: joerg.fries-lammers@1und1.de

Corporate communications Nina Schwarze

Tel.: +49 (0) 170/2824 241

Email: nina.schwarze@zalando.de