1. INTRODUCTION
This Cookie Policy explains how AQ Group BV (“AQ Group,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website www.aqnv.com (the “Website”).
This Cookie Policy should be read together with our Privacy Policy, which provides more information about how we process your personal data.
Company details:
– Detail – Information
– Legal name – AQ Group BV
– Registered office – Wilmingtonstraat 3, 2030 Antwerp, Belgium
– VAT number – BE 0723.930.497
– Email – ops@aqnv.com
– Phone – +32(0)3 685 41 76
– Website – www.aqnv.com
2. WHAT ARE COOKIES?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and to provide information to website owners.
2.1 Types of cookies by duration:
Session cookies: Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser.
Persistent cookies: Cookies that remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them.
2.2 Types of cookies by origin:
First-party cookies: Set by the website you are visiting (AQ Group).
Third-party cookies: Set by a domain other than the website you are visiting (e.g., Google, Facebook).
3. WHY WE USE COOKIES
We use cookies for the following purposes:
– Essential functionality: To ensure our Website functions properly
– Performance and analytics: To understand how visitors use our Website and improve user experience
– Marketing and advertising: To deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness
– Preferences: To remember your settings and preferences
4. COOKIES WE USE
4.1 Essential Cookies (Strictly Necessary)
These cookies are necessary for the Website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions you take, such as setting privacy preferences, logging in, or filling in forms.
– Cookie Name – Purpose – Duration – Provider
—
– cookie_consent – Stores your cookie consent preferences – 12 months – AQ Group
– session_id – Maintains your session on the Website – Session – AQ Group
– security_token – Security and authentication – Session – AQ Group
Legal basis: These cookies are necessary for the performance of our contract with you (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR) and for compliance with legal obligations.
Consent required: No
4.2 Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our Website by collecting and reporting information anonymously. This helps us improve the Website’s functionality and user experience.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a web analytics service provided by Google LLC that tracks and reports website traffic.
– Cookie Name – Purpose – Duration – Provider
—
– _ga – Distinguishes unique users – 2 years – Google
– _gid – Distinguishes unique users – 24 hours – Google
– _gat – Throttles request rate – 1 minute – Google
– _ga_<container-id> – Persists session state – 2 years – Google
Data collected:
– Pages visited
– Time spent on pages
– Browser type and version
– Device type and screen resolution
– Geographic location (country/city level)
– Referral source
– User interactions (clicks, scrolls)
Legal basis: Legitimate interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) – to improve our Website and services.
Consent required: Yes (under ePrivacy Directive)
Data transfer: Google Analytics may transfer data to the United States. Google is certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
Opt-out: You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the [Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on](https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout).
Privacy Policy: [Google Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
4.3 Marketing and Advertising Cookies
These cookies track your browsing habits to deliver advertisements relevant to you and your interests. They may also be used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement and measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
Google Tag Manager
Google Tag Manager is a tag management system that allows us to manage and deploy marketing tags (snippets of code) on our Website without modifying the code.
– Cookie Name – Purpose – Duration – Provider
—
– _gcl_au – Stores and tracks conversions – 3 months – Google
Data collected:
– User interactions with ads
– Conversion events
– Page views and user behavior
Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
Consent required: Yes
Data transfer: Google may transfer data to the United States. Google is certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
Privacy Policy: [Google Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
Facebook Pixel
The Facebook Pixel is a tracking code that allows us to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, build targeted audiences, and track conversions.
– Cookie Name – Purpose – Duration – Provider
—
– _fb – Facebook Pixel identifier – 3 months – Meta/Facebook
– _fbp – Tracks visits across websites – 3 months – Meta/Facebook
– fr – Delivers and measures ads – 3 months – Meta/Facebook
Data collected:
– Page visits and user behavior
– Button clicks and form submissions
– Purchase and conversion events
– Device information (browser, OS, IP address)
– Referrer information
Legal basis: Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR)
Consent required: Yes
Data transfer: Meta may transfer data to the United States. Meta participates in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
Opt-out: You can manage your Facebook ad preferences in your [Facebook Ad Settings](https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/).
Privacy Policy: [Meta Privacy Policy](https://www.facebook.com/privacy/policy/)
Advanced Matching: We may use Facebook’s Advanced Matching feature, which hashes customer information (such as email addresses) to match website visitors with Facebook users for improved ad targeting. This is only done with your explicit consent.
4.4 Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences and settings.
– Cookie Name – Purpose – Duration – Provider
—
– language_pref – Stores your language preference – 12 months – AQ Group
– region_pref – Stores your region/country preference – 12 months – AQ Group
Legal basis: Legitimate interest (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR) – to provide a personalized user experience.
Consent required: Yes (as best practice)
5. COOKIE CONSENT
5.1 How we obtain consent
When you first visit our Website, you will see a cookie banner that:
– Informs you that we use cookies
– Provides a link to this Cookie Policy
– Allows you to accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies, or customize your preferences
– Explains that continuing to use the Website without changing settings constitutes consent for essential cookies only
5.2 Managing your cookie preferences
You can change your cookie preferences at any time by:
– Clicking the “Cookie Settings” link in the footer of our Website
– Adjusting your browser settings (see Section 6 below)
5.3 Withdrawal of consent
You can withdraw your consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal. Withdrawing consent may limit your access to certain features of our Website.
6. HOW TO CONTROL AND DELETE COOKIES
6.1 Browser settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can usually find these settings in the “Options” or “Preferences” menu of your browser.
Browser-specific instructions:
– Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and security > Cookies and other site data
– Mozilla Firefox: Settings > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
– Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Cookies and website data
– Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions > Cookies and site data
– Opera: Settings > Privacy & security > Cookies
6.2 Third-party opt-out tools
You can also opt out of targeted advertising by visiting:
– [Your Online Choices (EU)](http://www.youronlinechoices.eu/)
– [Network Advertising Initiative](http://www.networkadvertising.org/choices/)
– [Digital Advertising Alliance](http://www.aboutads.info/choices/)
6.3 Mobile device settings
For mobile devices, you can control cookies and tracking through your device settings:
– iOS: Settings > Privacy > Tracking
– Android: Settings > Google > Ads
6.4 Impact of blocking cookies
Please note that if you block or delete cookies:
– Some parts of our Website may not function properly
– Your user experience may be degraded
– You may need to re-enter information
– You may not be able to access certain features
Essential cookies cannot be disabled as they are necessary for the Website to function.
7. DO NOT TRACK SIGNALS
Some browsers have a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Our Website does not currently respond to DNT signals, as there is no industry standard for how to respond to these signals.
However, you can control tracking through your cookie preferences on our Website or through your browser settings.
8. OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies:
8.1 Web beacons (Pixel tags)
Small transparent images embedded in web pages or emails that allow us to track page views, email opens, and user behavior.
8.2 Local storage
Technology that allows websites to store data locally in your browser. We use local storage to improve Website performance and remember your preferences.
8.3 Server logs
Our web servers automatically collect certain information, such as:
– IP address
– Browser type and version
– Operating system
– Referral URLs
– Pages visited
– Date and time of visits
This information is used for system administration, security, and analytics purposes.
9. DATA RETENTION
Cookie data is retained for the duration specified in the cookie tables above. After expiration:
– Session cookies are automatically deleted when you close your browser
– Persistent cookies are deleted after their specified duration
– You can manually delete cookies at any time through your browser settings
Analytics and marketing data collected through cookies may be retained by third-party providers (Google, Meta) according to their respective retention policies.
10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS
Some of our cookie providers (Google, Meta/Facebook) may transfer your data outside the European Economic Area (EEA), particularly to the United States.
We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place:
– Google: Certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and uses Standard Contractual Clauses
– Meta/Facebook: Participates in the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework and uses Standard Contractual Clauses
For more information about data transfers, please see our Privacy Policy.
11. YOUR RIGHTS
Under the GDPR, you have the following rights regarding data collected through cookies:
– Right of access: Request information about the data collected through cookies
– Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
– Right to erasure: Request deletion of data (by deleting cookies)
– Right to restriction: Request restriction of processing
– Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured format
– Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
– Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent for non-essential cookies at any time
– Right to lodge a complaint: Lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority
To exercise your rights, please contact us using the details in Section 13 below.
12. UPDATES TO THIS COOKIE POLICY
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect:
– Changes in our use of cookies
– Changes in cookie technology
– Changes in legal requirements
– Improvements to our Website
The “Last updated” date at the top of this policy indicates when it was last revised. We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically.
Material changes will be communicated through:
– A notice on our Website
– An updated cookie banner
– Email notification (for registered users)
13. CONTACT US
If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies, please contact us:
AQ Group BV
– Email: ops@aqnv.com
– Phone: +32(0)3 685 41 76
– Address: Wilmingtonstraat 3, 2030 Antwerp, Belgium
– VAT: BE 0723.930.497
Data Protection Authority
If you wish to lodge a complaint about our use of cookies, you can contact:
Belgian Data Protection Authority (Gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit)
– Website: www.gegevensbeschermingsautoriteit.be
– Email: contact@apd-gba.be
– Address: Drukpersstraat 35, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
14. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION DETAILS
14.1 Cookie banner implementation
Our cookie banner is designed to comply with:
– GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
– ePrivacy Directive (Cookie Law)
– Belgian data protection law
The banner provides:
– Clear information about cookies
– Granular consent options (Accept All, Reject All, Customize)
– Easy access to this Cookie Policy
– Ability to change preferences at any time
14.2 Consent management
We use a consent management platform to:
– Record your cookie preferences
– Manage cookie consent across sessions
– Provide proof of consent for compliance purposes
– Allow you to update preferences easily
14.3 Cookie scanning
We regularly scan our Website to ensure this Cookie Policy accurately reflects the cookies in use. If you notice any cookies not listed here, please contact us.
15. DEFINITIONS
Cookie: A small text file placed on your device by a website.
First-party cookie: A cookie set by the website you are visiting.
Third-party cookie: A cookie set by a domain other than the website you are visiting.
Session cookie: A temporary cookie that expires when you close your browser.
Persistent cookie: A cookie that remains on your device for a set period.
Web beacon (Pixel tag): A small transparent image used to track user behavior.
Local storage: Browser technology that allows websites to store data locally.
IP address: A unique number assigned to your device on the internet.
Data controller: The entity that determines the purposes and means of processing personal data.
Data processor: The entity that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller.
GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
ePrivacy Directive: Directive 2002/58/EC on privacy and electronic communications.
16. LEGAL BASIS SUMMARY
– Cookie Category – Legal Basis – Consent Required
– Essential Cookies – Performance of contract / Legal obligation – No
– Analytics Cookies – Legitimate interest / Consent – Yes
– Marketing Cookies – Consent – Yes
– Functional Cookies – Legitimate interest / Consent – Yes (best practice)
APPENDIX: COMPLETE COOKIE LIST
Essential Cookies
– Cookie – Purpose – Type – Duration – Provider
– cookie_consent – Stores consent preferences – First-party – 12 months – AQ Group
– session_id – Session management – First-party – Session – AQ Group
– security_token – Security/authentication – First-party – Session – AQ Group
Analytics Cookies
– Cookie – Purpose – Type – Duration – Provider
– _ga – User identification – Third-party – 2 years – Google Analytics
– _gid – User identification – Third-party – 24 hours – Google Analytics
– _gat – Rate limiting – Third-party – 1 minute – Google Analytics
– _ga_<container-id> – Session state – Third-party – 2 years – Google Analytics
Marketing Cookies
– Cookie – Purpose – Type – Duration – Provider
– _gcl_au – Conversion tracking – Third-party – 3 months – Google Ads
– _fbp – Facebook tracking – Third-party – 3 months – Facebook Pixel
– fr – Facebook ads delivery – Third-party – 3 months – Facebook Pixel
Functional Cookies
– Cookie – Purpose – Type – Duration – Provider
– language_pref – Language preference – First-party – 12 months – AQ Group
– region_pref – Region preference – First-party – 12 months – AQ Group
This Cookie Policy complies with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679, the ePrivacy Directive 2002/58/EC, and Belgian data protection law.
