Data protection
The controller within the meaning of the EU General Data Protection Regulation and other national data protection laws of the member states as well as other data protection regulations is the:
QGroup GmbH
Am Joseph 15
61273 Wehrheim
Telefon: +49 69 17 53 63 - 00
E-Mail: info@qgroup.de
Website: www.qgroup.de
You can reach the data protection officer of the controller at
Telefon: +49 69 17 53 63 - 026
Telefax: +49 69 17 53 63 - 626
E-Mail: datenschutzbeauftragter@qgroup.de
I. General information on data processing
1. Scope of the processing of personal data
We only process our users' personal data to the extent necessary to provide a functional website and our content and services. The processing of our users' personal data only takes place regularly with the user's consent. An exception applies in cases where prior consent cannot be obtained for factual reasons and the processing of the data is permitted by law.
2. Legal basis for the processing of personal data
Insofar as we obtain the consent of the data subject for the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) serves as the legal basis.
When processing personal data that is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b GDPR serves as the legal basis. This also applies to processing operations that are necessary to carry out pre-contractual measures.
Insofar as the processing of personal data is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation to which our company is subject, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. c GDPR serves as the legal basis.
In the event that vital interests of the data subject or another natural person require the processing of personal data, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. d GDPR serves as the legal basis.
If the processing is necessary to safeguard a legitimate interest of our company or a third party and if the interests, fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subject do not outweigh the first-mentioned interest, Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR serves as the legal basis for the processing.
3. Data erasure and storage duration
The personal data of the data subject will be erased or blocked as soon as the purpose of storage no longer applies. Data may also be stored if this has been provided for by the European or national legislator in EU regulations, laws or other provisions to which the controller is subject. The data will also be blocked or erased if a storage period prescribed by the aforementioned standards expires, unless there is a need for further storage of the data for the conclusion or fulfillment of a contract.
II. Provision of the website and creation of log files
1. Description and scope of data processing
Each time our website is accessed, our system automatically collects data and information from the computer system of the accessing computer.
The following data is collected:
(1) Information about the browser type and version used
(2) The operating system used by the accessing system
(3) The website from which an accessing system accesses our website (so-called referrer)
(4) The sub-websites which are accessed via an accessing system on our website
(5) Websites that are accessed by the user's system via our website
(6) Date and time of access to the website
(7) The user's internet service provider
(8) The IP address of the user
(9) Other similar data and information used for security purposes in the event of attacks on our information technology systems
The data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.
When using this general data and information, QGroup GmbH does not draw any conclusions about the data subject. Rather, this information is required in order to
(1) deliver the content of our website correctly,
(2) optimize the content of our website and the advertising for it,
(3) ensure the long-term functionality of our information technology systems and the technology of our website
(4) to provide law enforcement authorities with the information necessary for criminal prosecution in the event of a cyber attack.
Therefore, the QGroup GmbH analyzes anonymously collected data and information statistically, with the aim of increasing the data protection and data security of our enterprise, and to ensure an optimal level of protection for the personal data we process. The anonymous data of the server log files are stored separately from all personal data provided by a data subject.
2. Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
3. Purpose of data processing
The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary to enable the website to be delivered to the user's computer. For this purpose, the user's IP address must remain stored for the duration of the session.
The data is stored in log files to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimize the website and to ensure the security of our information technology systems. The data is not analyzed for marketing purposes in this context.
These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in data processing in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
4. Duration of storage
The data will be deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. In the case of the collection of data for the provision of the website, this is the case when the respective session has ended.
If the data is stored in log files, this is the case after seven days at the latest. Storage beyond this period is possible. In this case, the IP addresses of the users are deleted or alienated so that it is no longer possible to assign the calling client.
5. Possibility of objection and removal
The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is absolutely necessary for the operation of the website. Consequently, there is no possibility for the user to object.
III. Use of cookies
a) Description and scope of data processing
Our website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that are stored in the Internet browser or by the Internet browser on the user's computer system. When a user accesses a website, a cookie may be stored on the user's operating system. This cookie contains a characteristic string of characters that enables the browser to be uniquely identified when the website is called up again.
We use cookies to make our website more user-friendly. Some elements of our website require that the accessing browser can be identified even after a page change.
The following data is stored and transmitted in the cookies:
(1) Language settings
(2) Session information
b) Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of personal data using cookies is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
c) Purpose of the data processing
The purpose of using technically necessary cookies is to simplify the use of websites for users. Some functions of our website cannot be offered without the use of cookies. For these, it is necessary for the browser to be recognized even after a page change.
We require cookies for the following applications:
(1) Adoption of language settings
(2) Session information
The user data collected by technically necessary cookies is not used to create user profiles.
These purposes also constitute our legitimate interest in the processing of personal data in accordance with Art. 6 para. 1 lit. f GDPR.
e) Duration of storage, objection and removal options
Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted by it to our website. As a user, you therefore also have full control over the use of cookies. You can deactivate or restrict the transmission of cookies by changing the settings in your Internet browser. Cookies that have already been saved can be deleted at any time. This can also be done automatically. If cookies are deactivated for our website, it may no longer be possible to use all functions of the website to their full extent.
IV. Newsletter
1. Description and scope of data processing
You can subscribe to a free newsletter on our website. The following data from the input mask is transmitted to us when you register for the newsletter:
(1) Salutation
(2) Name
(3) Company
(4) Department
(5) e-mail address
(6) Telephone number (optional)
(7) Street (mandatory if postal delivery selected)
(8) Postal code (mandatory if selected for postal delivery)
(9) City (mandatory if selected for postal delivery)
(10) How did you hear about us? (optional)
(11) Message free text field
The following data is also collected during registration:
(1) IP address of the accessing computer
(2) Date and time of registration
For legal reasons, a confirmation email is sent to the email address entered by a data subject for the first time for the newsletter mailing using the double opt-in procedure. This confirmation email is used to check whether the owner of the email address as the data subject has authorized the receipt of the newsletter and also contains a reference to this privacy policy
No data is passed on to third parties in connection with the data processing for sending newsletters. The data is used exclusively for sending the newsletter.
2. Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for the processing of data after registration for the newsletter by the user is Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a GDPR if the user has given his consent.
3. Purpose of the data processing
The purpose of collecting the user's email address is to deliver the newsletter.
The collection of other personal data as part of the registration process serves to prevent misuse of the services or the e-mail address used.
4. Duration of storage
The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required for the purpose for which it was collected. The user's e-mail address is therefore stored for as long as the subscription to the newsletter is active.
The other personal data collected during the registration process is generally deleted after a period of seven days.
5. Possibility of objection and removal
The subscription to the newsletter can be canceled by the user concerned at any time. For this purpose, there is a corresponding link in every newsletter.
This also makes it possible to withdraw consent to the storage of personal data collected during the registration process.
V. Registration
1. Description and scope of data processing
Our website has a contact form for electronic communication. Data entered in the input mask is transmitted and stored. This includes:
(1) Salutation
(2) Name
(3) Email
(4) Phone number (optional)
(5) How did you hear about us? (optional)
(6) Message - free text field
At the time of registration, the following data is also stored:
(1) User's IP address
(2) Date and time of registration
During the registration process, the user's consent to processing this data is obtained.
2. Legal basis for data processing
The legal basis for data processing, with the user's consent, is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR. If registration is for the performance of a contract with the user or pre-contractual measures, the additional legal basis is Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.
3. Purpose of data processing
User registration is necessary to provide certain content and services on our website.
4. Data storage duration
Data is deleted when no longer necessary for the purpose of collection. For registration data, this occurs when registration is canceled or modified on our website.
5. Right to object and delete
Users can dissolve their registration at any time. The data controller provides information on stored personal data upon request and corrects or deletes data upon user request, unless legal retention obligations apply.
VI. Contact Form and Email Contact
1. Description and scope of data processing
Our website has a contact form for electronic communication. Data entered in the input mask includes:
(1) Salutation
(2) Name
(3) Email
(4) Phone number (optional)
(5) How did you hear about us? (optional)
(6) Message text field
The user's IP address and date/time of message submission are also stored. Consent for data processing is obtained during submission, with reference to this privacy policy.
Contact can also be made via the provided email address, with no data shared with third parties, used solely for conversation processing.
2. Legal basis for data processing
Legal basis for data processing, with user consent, is Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR. For email data transmission, the legal basis is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR, or Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR if related to contract conclusion.
3. Purpose of data processing
Processing data from the input mask is for contact handling. Email contact serves legitimate interests in data processing.
4. Data storage duration
Data is deleted when no longer needed for the collection purpose. For contact form and email data, this is after the conversation ends.
5. Right to object and delete
Users can revoke consent for data processing at any time. Contact data will be deleted upon objection, ending the conversation.
VII. Web Analysis by Matomo (formerly PIWIK)
1. Scope of personal data processing
We use the open-source software tool Matomo (formerly PIWIK) on our website to analyze the surfing behavior of our users. The software places a cookie on the user's computer (regarding cookies, see above). When individual pages of our website are accessed, the following data is stored:
(1) Two bytes of the IP address of the user's accessing system
(2) The accessed webpage
(3) The website from which the user accessed the webpage (referrer)
(4) The subpages accessed from the accessed webpage
(5) Duration of visit on the webpage
(6) Frequency of webpage access
The software operates solely on our website's servers. Personal data of users is stored only there, and no data is shared with third parties.
The software is configured to not store full IP addresses but to mask 2 bytes of the IP address (e.g., 192.168.xxx.xxx). This way, associating the truncated IP address with the accessing computer is no longer possible.
2. Legal Basis for Personal Data Processing
The legal basis for processing users' personal data is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR.
3. Purpose of data processing
Processing users' personal data allows us to analyze their surfing behavior. By evaluating the collected data, we can compile information on the usage of various components of our website. This helps us continuously improve our website and its user-friendliness. Our legitimate interest in data processing under Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR is based on these purposes. Anonymizing the IP address adequately addresses users' interest in protecting their personal data.
4. Data Retention Period
Data is deleted when no longer needed for our recording purposes. In our case, this occurs after 6 months.
5. Right to Object and Opt-Out
Cookies are stored on the user's computer and transmitted to our site by the user. Therefore, users have full control over cookie usage. By adjusting settings in the internet browser, users can disable or restrict cookie transmission. Stored cookies can be deleted at any time, including automated deletion. Disabling cookies for our website may impact the full functionality of the site.
We provide users on our website with the option to opt-out of the analysis process. To do so, users can follow the link: Matomo Opt-Out. This sets another cookie on their system, signaling our system not to store the user's data. If the user deletes the respective cookie from their system, they must set the opt-out cookie again.
For more information on Matomo software privacy settings, visit: https://matomo.org/docs/privacy/.
VIII. Social Media Applications
On our website, you will find links to Twitter, XING, and YouTube ("Social Networks"). We do not use social plugins from these social networks, such as the Twitter Follow button, so no personal data is transferred to these social networks when you visit our website. Only when you click on the symbol of a social network in the website footer or on a link to a social network, you will be redirected to their website. Data is then collected, processed, and used there. We have no control over what data these social networks collect, how they process it, and how they use it. For information on the purpose and scope of data collection, as well as the further processing and use of this data, please refer to the privacy policies of the respective social networks on the following websites:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/privacy?lang=de
XING: https://www.xing.com/privacy
YouTube: https://www.google.com/intl/de/policies/privacy/
IX. Rights of the data subject
If personal data about you is processed, you are a data subject within the meaning of the GDPR, and you have the following rights against the controller:
1. Right to information
You can request confirmation from the controller as to whether personal data concerning you is being processed by us.
If such processing is taking place, you can request the following information from the controller:
(1) the purposes for which the personal data are processed;
(2) the categories of personal data being processed;
(3) the recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data concerning you have been or will be disclosed;
(4) the planned duration of storage of the personal data concerning you or, if specific information on this is not possible, the criteria for determining the storage period;
(5) the existence of the right to rectify or erase personal data concerning you, the right to restrict processing by the controller, or the right to object to such processing;
(6) the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority;
(7) all available information about the origin of the data if the personal data were not collected from the data subject;
(8) the existence of automated decision-making, including profiling, according to Art. 22 para. 1 and 4 of the GDPR and, at least in these cases, meaningful information about the logic involved, as well as the significance and the envisaged consequences of such processing for the data subject.
You have the right to request information as to whether the personal data concerning you is transferred to a third country or to an international organization. In this context, you can request to be informed about the appropriate safeguards under Art. 46 of the GDPR in connection with the transfer.
2. Right to rectification
You have the right to have inaccurate or incomplete personal data concerning you corrected or completed by the controller without undue delay.
3. Right to restriction of processing
Under certain conditions, you can request the restriction of processing of your personal data:
(1) if you contest the accuracy of the personal data, for a period enabling the controller to verify the accuracy of the personal data;
(2) if the processing is unlawful and you oppose the erasure of the personal data and request the restriction of their use instead;
(3) if the controller no longer needs the personal data for processing purposes, but you require them for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims, or
(4) if you have objected to processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 of the GDPR and it is not yet certain whether the legitimate grounds of the controller override yours.
If processing of your personal data has been restricted under the above conditions, these data – apart from their storage – may only be processed with your consent or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another natural or legal person or for reasons of important public interest of the Union or of a Member State.
If the restriction of processing has been restricted under the above conditions, you will be informed by the controller before the restriction is lifted.
4. Right to erasure
a) Obligation to erase
You can request the controller to erase the personal data concerning you without undue delay, and the controller is obliged to erase this data without undue delay if one of the following reasons applies:
(1) The personal data concerning you are no longer necessary for the purposes for which they were collected or otherwise processed.
(2) You withdraw your consent on which the processing is based according to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a of the GDPR, and there is no other legal ground for the processing.
(3) You object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 1 of the GDPR and there are no overriding legitimate grounds for the processing, or you object to the processing pursuant to Art. 21 para. 2 of the GDPR.
(4) The personal data concerning you have been unlawfully processed.
(5) The erasure of the personal data concerning you is necessary to comply with a legal obligation under Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject.
(6) The personal data concerning you have been collected in relation to the offer of information society services referred to in Art. 8 para. 1 of the GDPR.
b) Information to third parties
If the controller has made the personal data concerning you public and is obliged to erase them in accordance with Art. 17 para. 1 of the GDPR, the controller, taking account of available technology and the cost of implementation, shall take reasonable steps, including technical measures, to inform controllers processing the personal data that you have requested the erasure by such controllers of any links to, or copy or replication of, those personal data.
c) Exceptions
The right to erasure does not apply to the extent that processing is necessary
(1) for exercising the right of freedom of expression and information;
(2) for compliance with a legal obligation which requires processing by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject, or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller;
(3) for reasons of public interest in the area of public health pursuant to Art. 9 para. 2 lit. h and i as well as Art. 9 para. 3 of the GDPR;
(4) for archiving purposes in the public interest, scientific or historical research purposes, or statistical purposes pursuant to Art. 89 para. 1 of the GDPR, insofar as the right referred to in section a) is likely to render impossible or seriously impair the achievement of the objectives of that processing, or
(5) for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
5. Right to notification
If you have exercised your right to rectification, erasure, or restriction of processing with the controller, the controller is obliged to communicate any rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing to each recipient to whom the personal data have been disclosed, unless this proves impossible or involves disproportionate effort.
You have the right to be informed about those recipients by the controller.
6. Right to data portability
You have the right to receive the personal data concerning you, which you have provided to the controller, in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. You also have the right to transmit those data to another controller without hindrance from the controller to which the personal data have been provided, where
(1) the processing is based on consent pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. a of the GDPR or Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a of the GDPR or on a contract pursuant to Art. 6 para. 1 lit. b of the GDPR, and
(2) the processing is carried out by automated means.
In exercising this right, you also have the right to have the personal data concerning you transmitted directly from one controller to another, where technically feasible. This must not adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
The right to data portability does not apply to processing necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller.
7. Right to object
You have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data concerning you which is based on Art. 6 para. 1 lit. e or f of the GDPR, including profiling based on those provisions.
The controller shall no longer process the personal data concerning you unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights, and freedoms or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims.
Where personal data concerning you are processed for direct marketing purposes, you have the right to object at any time to processing of personal data concerning you for such marketing, which includes profiling to the extent that it is related to such direct marketing.
If you object to processing for direct marketing purposes, the personal data concerning you shall no longer be processed for such purposes.
You have the possibility to exercise your right to object in connection with the use of information society services – notwithstanding Directive 2002/58/EC – by automated means using technical specifications.
8. Right to withdraw consent under data protection law
You have the right to withdraw your consent to the processing of your personal data at any time. The withdrawal of consent shall not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.
9. Automated individual decision-making, including profiling
You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you, unless the decision
(1) is necessary for entering into or performance of a contract between you and the controller,
(2) is authorized by Union or Member State law to which the controller is subject and which also lays down suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, or
(3) is based on your explicit consent.
However, these decisions must not be based on special categories of personal data referred to in Art. 9 para. 1 of the GDPR, unless Art. 9 para. 2 lit. a or g of the GDPR applies and suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests are in place.
Regarding the cases mentioned in (1) and (3), the controller shall implement suitable measures to safeguard your rights and freedoms and legitimate interests, at least the right to obtain human intervention on the part of the controller, to express your point of view, and to contest the decision.
10. Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
Without prejudice to any other administrative or judicial remedy, you have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, in particular in the Member State of your habitual residence, place of work, or place of the alleged infringement, if you consider that the processing of personal data concerning you infringes the GDPR.
The supervisory authority with which the complaint has been lodged shall inform the complainant on the progress and the outcome of the complaint, including the possibility of a judicial remedy under Art. 78 of the GDPR.