Karty

 

Data Protection Policy

 

1.          Introduction and Purpose of Data Protection Policy

 

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes the practices Karty (“we” or “us”) have adopted with respect to processing Personal Data (as defined below) including the collection, use, storage or disclosure of Personal Data, (i) on our mobile application and websites that link to this Policy (collectively the “Platforms”); (ii) when you interact with our support centre or other online forums; (ii) when you participate in our webinars, events and demonstrations; (iii) when you purchase our products or services (“Services”); or (iv) when you interact with us as a vendor, partner or sub-contractor. Karty regards the lawful and correct treatment of Personal Data as integral to its successful operations and to maintain the confidence of customers, consumers, prospects, registered users, clients, employees, contractors and any other parties we may work with (“you “or “Users”).

 

2.          Scope

 

In order for Karty to conduct its business operations, Karty may disclose personal data to third party service provider, agents, affiliates, subsidiaries, regulators, whether sited in Qatar or outside. Karty will ensure that appropriate technical and organisational measures, are in place in such cases and that appropriate contracts and security controls are used to protect our customer’s personal data. Karty will invest in the latest technologies where possible and training of all employees to ensure that the confidentiality and integrity aspect of Data Subject information and data are assured, and to ensure that Karty maintain high standards of data protection to meet all applicable laws and regulations protecting the privacy of Personal Data in the jurisdictions where Karty conducts business. Karty is required to comply with all applicable laws and regualtions including the QFC Data Protection Regulations, December 2021 and Qatar Financial Centre Authority Data Protection Rules, 2021 (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Law”) and the core principles maintained in the EU General Data Protection Regulation 679/2016 (“GDPR”). We may amend this Policy from time to time, should it become necessary or advisable to do so to comply with regulatory requirements or best practices. If we materially change our practices in processing Personal Data, we will post an updated policy in place of this Policy.

 

3.          General Definitions

 

These definitions may vary slightly according to local data privacy laws

 

3.1       Accountability” shall mean the ability to demonstrate compliance. The Law explicitly states that this is the organization’s responsibility. In order to demonstrate compliance, appropriate technical and organizational measures have to be implemented.

 

3.2       Data Subjects” shall mean the Individuals or entities that are identified or identifiable by Personal Information.

 

3.3       DPO” or “Data Protection Officer” shall mean an enterprise security leadership role required by the GDPR. Data protection officers are responsible for overseeing data protection strategy and implementation to ensure compliance wit GDPR requirements.

 

3.4       Personal data” includes any data which relates to a living individual who can be identified:

 

(a)        from that data; or

 

(b)        from that data and other information which is in the possession of Karty.

 

In addition to factual information Personal Data also includes any expression of opinion about an individual and any indication of the intentions of Karty or any other person in respect of an individual.

 

3.5       Sensitive Personal Data” are certain personal data that is considered to be particularly sensitive and is subject to stricter processing rules. These categories of Personal Data are referred to as Sensitive Personal Data and include any Personal Data relating to:

 

(a)        the racial or ethnic origin of the data subject;

 

(b)        their political opinions;

 

(c)        their religious (or similar) beliefs;

 

(d)        their physical or mental health condition;

 

(e)        details of criminal offences or criminal convictions, including details of any alleged offence, any proceedings for any offence (alleged of otherwise), and the disposal of such proceedings or the sentence of any court in such proceedings; and

 

(f)         genetic and biometric data.

 

Within this Policy any reference to Personal Data shall also include Sensitive Personal Data. Karty only holds Personal Data which is directly relevant to its dealings with a given Data Subject. That Personal Data will be held and processed in accordance with the Law and this Policy. It is unlikely that customer data would include Sensitive Personal Data although information on criminal proceedings may be obtained as part of due diligence procedures. Please note that information about an individual’s financial position does not normally constitute Sensitive Personal Data as defined by the Law.

 

3.6       Law” shall mean QFC Data Protection Regulations, December 2021 and Qatar Financial Centre Authority Data Protection Rules, 2021.

 

3.7       Processingshall mean any operation that is performed on Personal Data, whether or not by automatic means, such as collection, recording, organization, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, blocking, disabling or destruction.

 

3.8       Transfer” shall mean the transfer of personal data to countries outside the EEA or to international organizations that is subject to restrictions. As with the Data Protection Directive, data does not need to be physically transported to be transferred.

 

3.9       "Third party” shall mean any natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or any other body other than the Data Subject, the controller, the processor, and the persons who, under the direct authority of Karty, are authorized to process the data.

 

4.          The Information We Collect

 

4.1       Personal Data Karty collects or has about its Users come from different sources. This includes Personal Data relating to the business relationship or a prospective business relationship with Karty or any of Karty’s Services that the User has applied for or held previously.

 

4.2       Some of the Personal Data will come directly from the User. Some might be obtained from other Third parties. Personal Data might also be obtained lawfully by accessing publicly available sources or combining different sets of information.

 

4.3       Personal Data collected may include, in particular:

 

(a)         information that User provides to Karty such as:

 

(i)         account registration, management, profile creation and modification;

 

(ii)        account access and use, as well as uploading content to the Services and other associated activities;

 

(iii)      access to and use of the Platforms;

 

(iv)      submission of payment information;

 

(v)        participation in surveys, contests, sweepstakes and promotions sponsored by Karty;

 

(vi)      signing up to receive alerts or other information via email, text or instant messages from Karty;

 

(vii)    customer service, technical support, and related communications;

(viii)   participation in communities, commenting on blog entries, interacting with use on social media, and participation in other forums.

 

(ix)      contact details (e.g., name, address and other contact details such as date and place of birth, nationality and credit card and billing details);

 

(x)        information about User's given to Karty by filling in forms or by communicating with Karty, whether face-to-face, by phone, e-mail, on-line or otherwise;

 

(xi)      information concerning a User’s identity (e.g., passport information which may contain a photograph) or which is relevant for authentication purposes

 

(b)        information that Karty collects or generates about the User’s, such as:

 

(i)         client relationship data (e.g., products held, and services rendered), securities and payment transaction data and other financial information;

 

(ii)        information regarding User’s financial situation;

 

(iii)      information Karty collects or generates to comply with its obligations under the anti-money laundering regulatory framework (e.g., information on origin of assets, beneficial ownership);

 

(iv)      information Karty collects or generates for risk management purposes such as client due diligence data (including periodic review results), client risk profiles, data to assess suitability/appropriateness, client qualification data (e.g., status as business client), screening alerts (transaction screening, name screening), tax data or complaint information;

 

(v)        geographic information;

 

(vi)      information included in relevant client files and client documentation and other comparable information;

 

(vii)    marketing and sales information (e.g., newsletters, documents received, invitations to and participations at events and special activities, personal preferences and interests, opt-in and opt-out declarations);

 

(viii)   information used in 'cookies' and similar technologies on websites, mobile applications and in emails to recognize a data subject, remember a data subject’s preferences and show a data subject content Karty thinks he/she/it is interested in.

 

(c)        information about the User that Karty collects from other sources, for example:

 

(i)         communication information (e.g., information contained in emails, chat messages or other digital communications);

 

(ii)        information from publicly available sources and combined information from external sources (e.g., corporate and media broadcasts, information pertaining to social interactions between individuals, organizations, prospects and other stakeholders acquired from companies that collect combined information).

 

4.4       Karty may also collect and process additional Personal Data about which Karty will inform you from time to time.

 

5.          Data Protection Principles

 

The below principles are adhered to by Karty with respect to processing Personal Data:

 

5.1       Lawfulness, Fairness and Transparency: Personal data must be processed fairly, transparently and lawfully. An individual’s Personal Data must not be processed unless there are lawful grounds for doing so and the Data Subject must be informed as to how and why their personal data is being processed either upon or before collecting it.

 

Processing of Personal Data shall only be lawful if one of the following applies (Article 7 of QFC Data Protection Regulation):

 

(a)        it is necessary to perform a contract or to enter a contract at the data subjects request;

 

(b)        it is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation;

 

(c)        it is necessary to protect the interests of the Data Subject;

 

(d)        it is necessary for the legitimate interests of Karty or a third party; and

 

(e)        the Data Subject has given their consent.

 

5.2       Purpose Limitation: Personal data must be processed only for specified and lawful purposes. Personal data must not be processed in any manner which is incompatible with the specified and lawful purpose.

 

5.3       Data Minimisation: The Personal Data that is processed must be adequate, relevant and limited to the minimum data necessary for the lawful purposes for which it is processed.

 

5.4       Accuracy: Personal Data must be accurate and, where appropriate, kept up-to-date. Any Personal Data which is incorrect must be rectified as soon as possible.

 

5.5       Data Retention: Personal Data must be kept for no longer than is necessary in light of the lawful purpose(s) for which it is processed.

 

5.6       Rights of the Data Subject: Personal Data must be processed in accordance with the rights of Data Subjects. Data Subjects will have the right to see copies of their Personal Data, to have inaccuracies corrected and to object to the processing of their Personal Data or to have their Personal Data deleted if it is no longer required by Karty for another reason.

 

5.7       Security: Personal Data must be protected against unauthorised or unlawful Processing, unauthorized disclosure, accidental loss, destruction or damage through appropriate technical and organisational measures.

 

5.8       International Data Transfers: Personal data must not be transferred to a country or territory outside Qatar that has, at least, equivalent data protection legislation in place. This will ensure an adequate level of protection for the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of personal data.

 

5.9       Accountability: Karty is responsible for and shall demonstrate compliance with this Policy. This includes ensuring third party service providers are acting in accordance with the Law.

 

5.10     Integrity and confidentiality of Processing: Personal Data must be processed in a way that ensures that the data are appropriately secure, using appropriate technical and organisational measures. In particular, the data must be protected against unauthorised or unlawful Processing and against accidental loss, destruction or damage

 

6.          Processing of Personal Data

 

6.1                 Personal data collected by Karty is generally collected in order to:

 

(a)        ensure Karty can facilitate efficient transactions with, and perform its obligations and exercise its rights under contracts with third parties including, but not limited to, its clients and affiliates;

 

(b)        efficiently manage its employees;

 

(c)        efficiently and effectively manage its business; and

 

(d)        meet all relevant obligations imposed by the Law.

 

6.2                 Personal Data must only be processed if the purpose of the processing satisfies one of the lawful grounds permitted under the Law. The below details the lawful ground for processing which are most likely to be relevant to Karty processing activities. The Processing of Personal Data is lawful only if, and only to the extent that, at least one of the following paragraphs applies:

 

(a)        the Data Subject concerned has given their consent to the Processing of their Personal Data for one or more specific purposes;

 

(b)        the Processing is necessary:

 

(i)         to perform a contract to which the Data Subject is a party; or

 

(ii)        in order to take steps at the Data Subject’s request before entering into a contract.

 

(c)        the Processing is necessary to comply with an obligation imposed on Karty by law;

 

(d)        the Processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the Data Subject or another individual;

 

(e)         the Processing is necessary to perform a task carried out:

 

(i)         in the public interest; or

 

(ii)        by any of the following in the performance of its functions:

 

(A)      the QFC Authority;

 

(B)       the QFC Regulatory Authority;

 

(C)       the Civil and Commercial Court;

 

(D)      the Regulatory Tribunal; or

 

(E)       a QFC Institution.

 

(f)         the Processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests of Karty or another Person to whom the data are disclosed (unless those interests are overridden by the rights and legitimate interests of the Data Subject that require the data to be protected, in particular if the Data Subject is a child).

 

6.3                 If one of the lawful grounds for processing cannot be achieved, then Karty must obtain the consent of the Data Subject. If consent has not been received, then Karty must discontinue any further processing of the personal data.

 

7.          Non Sensitive Personal Data:

 

7.1                 The legal grounds for processing non-sensitive personal data include:

 

(a)        where the processing is in KARTY's legitimate interests and does not cause unwarranted prejudice to the Data Subject;

 

(b)        where the processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the Data Subject is a party, or for the taking of steps with a view to entering into a contract;

 

(c)        where the processing is required by law or other regulation to which Karty is subject to.

 

7.2                 If none of the above are satisfied, then Karty must have consent from the Data Subject to the processing of their Personal Data.

 

8.          Sensitive Personal Data:

 

As detailed previously, sensitive or special category personal data is subject to stricter controls and the circumstances in which it can be processed are more limited than personal data. The legal grounds for processing sensitive personal data include:

 

(a)        where the processing is necessary for the purposes of carrying out the obligations and exercising the rights of Karty or the Data Subject for employment law purposes;

 

(b)        for the purposes of occupational health of the assessment of the working capacity of an employee;

 

(c)         for equal opportunity purposes, where the processing is necessary for the purpose of identifying or keeping under review the existence or absence of equality of opportunity or treatment between persons of difference racial or ethnic origins with a view to enabling such equality to be promoted or maintained;

 

(d)        where the processing is necessary for the purpose of, or in connection with, any legal proceedings, obtaining legal advice, or establishing, exercising or defending legal rights; or

 

(e)        where the data subject has given their explicit consent.

 

9.          High Risk Processing Activities:

 

A high risk processing activity may include activities which are particularly intrusive to a Data Subject’s privacy, the monitoring or profiling of Data Subjects and the processing of sensitive personal data on a large scale. Wherever the processing of personal data is likely to result in a "high risk" to the Data Subject, Karty will need to, before carrying out the processing activity, perform an assessment of the potential impact of the intended processing on the rights and freedoms of the Data Subject. Karty Shall maintain a Records of Processing Register as per Article 17 QFC Data Protection regulation.

 

10.       Fair Processing Information

 

Any process which involves the gathering of data on an individual should contain a statement explaining what the information is to be used for and to whom it may be disclosed. Regardless of how personal data is obtained (whether it is obtained from the data subject or from a third party) the Data Subject must be provided with certain information about the processing of their personal data by Karty. This information must be provided either before or upon collection of the Personal Data. If the Personal Data is obtained from a third party, then the information must be provided within a reasonable time period from obtaining the personal data or at the time of the first communication with the Data Subject, whichever is earlier.This information will be provided in the form of a Privacy Notice found on Karty’s website. The Privacy Notices must include the following:

 

(a)        the identity and contact details of a Data Protection contact;

 

(b)        the categories of Personal Data collected in relation to the Data Subject;

 

(c)        if the Personal Data was not obtained from the Data Subject, the source(s) of the personal data;

 

(d)        the purpose(s) for which personal data will be processed, including the legal grounds for the processing. If the legal ground involves a specific legal or regulatory requirement then a description of these must also be provided;

 

(e)        if personal data is processed based on the Data Subject’s consent, an explanation of the Data Subject’s right to withdraw their consent at any time;

 

(f)         the categories of personal data that may be disclosed to third parties and the reasons for these disclosures;

 

(g)        information about the existence of any automated decision making, for example profiling, which may be undertaken by Karty based on the Personal Data provided. The disclosure needs to include details of the logic involved and its impact on the Data Subject;

 

(h)        the period for which the Personal Data will be retained or the criteria that will be used to determine the retention period;

 

(i)         The existence of the Data Subject’s rights;

 

(j)          The above information must be provided in a concise, transparent, intelligible and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language that will be easy for the Data Subject to understand.

 

11.       Personal Data Breach

 

In the case of a personal data breach, the DPO (Data Protection Officer) shall notify the personal data breach to the relevant regulatory bodies or competent authorities, unless the personal data breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons. Where the notification to the regulatory bodies is not made within 72 hours, it shall be accompanied by reasons for the delay. Such notification will include at least:

 

(a)        description of the nature of the personal data breach including where possible, the categories and approximate number of data subjects concerned and the categories and approximate number of personal data records concerned;

 

(b)        communicating the name and contact details of the Data Protection Officer or other contact point where more information can be obtained;

 

(c)        description of the likely consequences of the personal data breach;

 

(d)        description of the measures taken or proposed to be taken by Karty to address the personal data breach, including, where appropriate, measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects; and

 

(e)        Karty shall document any personal data breaches, comprising the facts relating to the personal data breach, its effects and the remedial action taken. That documentation shall enable the Regulatory Bodies to verify compliance with this Policy.

 

12.       How We Protect Your Information

 

We take technical, physical and organizational security measures to protect your information against accidental or unlawful destruction or accidental loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure or access. However, no method of transmission over the Internet, and no means of electronic or physical storage, is absolutely secure.

 

We have appropriate security measures in place on our Websites, Mobile App and electronic devices to prevent personal information from being accidentally lost, used or accessed in an unauthorized way. Access will be limited to those who have a genuine business interest and/ or a need to know, and will only process your information in an authorized manner and they will be subject to a duty of confidentiality. We also have procedures to deal with any suspected data security breach.  We will notify you and any applicable regulator of a suspected data security breach, as required by law.

 

We encourage you to take steps to protect your information and prevent unauthorized access to your password or account by, among other things, signing off after using a shared computer, choosing a robust password that nobody else knows or can easily guess, and keeping your log-in and password private. We are not responsible for any lost, stolen, or compromised passwords, or for any activity on your account via unauthorized password activity.

 

13.       Data Protection Officer (DPO)

 

Karty shall ensure that the Data Protection Officer is involved, properly and in a timely manner, in all issues which relate to the protection of Personal Data. The Data Protection Officer shall have at least the following tasks:

 

(a)        inform and advise Karty Management and employees who carry out Processing of their obligations pursuant to this Policy;

 

(b)        monitor compliance with this Policy, including the assignment of responsibilities, awareness-raising and training of staff involved in Processing operations, and the related audits;

 

(c)        provide advice where requested as regards the data protection impact assessment and monitor its performance;

 

(d)        act as the focal point for the regulatory bodies on issues relating to processing of Personal Data; and

 

(e)        The DPO shall in the performance of his or her tasks have due regard to the risk associated with processing operations, taking into account the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing.

 

14.       Data Subject Rights

 

14.1              Under the applicable data protection laws, you may have the following rights:

 

(a)        right of access and erasure (as defined in Articles 16 and 18 of the Law);

 

(b)        right to request from Karty the rectification of inaccurate Personal Data concerning him, taking into account the purposes of the processing (Article 17 of the Law).

 

(c)        right to require Karty to restrict processing of Personal Data, if any of the conditions stipulated under Article 20 (1) of the Law is applicable;

 

(d)        right to object to the data processing at any time on reasonable grounds relating to  your particular situation (Article 19 of the Law);

 

(e)        subject to applicable laws, right to be informed within a reasonable period, but no longer than 30 (thirty) days after obtaining the Personal Data from a third-party, details of which are not disclosed herein and if Karty envisages that the Personal Data will be disclosed to a third party, save and except as provided herein, no later than when the Personal Data is first disclosed (Article 15 (2) of the Law);

 

(f)         right to data portability (Article 21 of the Law);

 

(g)        right not to be subjected to a decision that is based solely on automated processing, including profiling, if the decision would have a legal effect on you or would otherwise significantly affect you (Article 22 of the Law);

 

(h)        right to lodge a complaint with the Data Protection Office (Article 34 of the Law); and

 

(i)         right to receive compensation if you suffer material or non-material damage due to an infringement of the Law by Karty. (Article 35 of the Law);

 

14.2              Where Karty processes Personal Data based on your granted consent, you may revoke your consent specifically granted to the processing of Personal Data at any time. If you object to processing of your Personal Data for any reason whatsoever, Karty will no longer process your Personal Data for such reasons (Article 19 (2) and (3) of the Law), unless as otherwise required by Law. Please be advised that the revocation will only take effect in the future. Any Processing that was carried out prior to the revocation shall not be affected thereby. Please note however that Karty may still be entitled to process your Personal Data if it has another legitimate reason for doing so.

 

15.       Transfers of Personal Data

 

Karty shall ensure that any transfer of Personal Data within or outside the QFC shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Articles 23 and 24 of the Law.

 

16.       Contact Information

 

You may exercise your rights or make a request regarding your information held by us, request further information about your legal rights under applicable law, or submit a complaint about our privacy practices by contacting us at any time, using the contact details set forth in this section below.

 

We will consider all requests and provide our response within the time period stated by applicable law. Please note, however, that certain information may be exempt from such requests in some circumstances. If we need to keep processing your information to provide services to you or to comply with a legal obligation. Moreover, you will not be permitted to examine the information of any other person or entity. We also may request you provide us with information necessary to confirm your identity before responding to your request.

 

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, would like to exercise your rights regarding your information that we hold, or would like to raise a complaint with us related to your information, you should contact us as follows:

 

Privacy Team: (ILC Comment: Client to insert details herein)