QR codes have become ubiquitous in recent years. You see them on products, advertisements, business cards, and more. When you scan a QR code with your smartphone’s camera, it quickly takes you to a website, app, coupon, menu, or other information. The speed and convenience of scanning a QR code makes them popular in our busy digital world.
But can QR codes be private? Here we’ll explore whether QR codes can contain private information or lead to private online destinations.
What is a QR code?
QR stands for “quick response.” QR codes are a type of matrix barcode that can be read by smartphones and dedicated QR scanning devices. The black and white squares represent different pieces of data.
QR codes were originally designed in 1994 by the Japanese automotive company Denso Wave to track vehicle parts. But they eventually caught on as a way to convey information to consumers. When you scan a QR code with your phone’s camera, it detects the pattern of squares and converts it into an alphanumeric link.
QR codes can encode different types of data. This includes:
- Web URLs
- Phone numbers
- Email addresses
- Text
- SMS data
- Contact information
When you scan a QR code, your phone’s browser will typically open the destination link automatically. If the QR code contains plain text, your phone will display the text. QR codes are able to hold up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
Are QR codes private?
For the most part, QR codes themselves do not contain private information. The data encoded in a QR code is usually a link or text intended for public consumption. For example, a company might print a QR code on a poster to quickly give people a URL for more information. Or a restaurant might have QR codes on tables that pull up the menu when scanned.
However, QR codes can potentially direct people to private online content. For example, an e-commerce site might give certain customers a unique QR code that provides access to private sales or discounts when scanned. Events often use QR codes on tickets to validate entry rather than personal information.
QR codes can also be used for person-to-person payments through platforms like Venmo or PayPal. The payer has a personal QR code that the recipient scans to collect the funds. But the actual QR code itself does not reveal private financial information.
Dynamic QR codes for privacy
While static QR codes always lead to the same destination, dynamic QR codes can display different content depending on who scans them. Dynamic QR codes are generated using QR code management platforms.
Some dynamic QR code use cases include:
- User-specific landing pages
- Personalized coupons or special offers
- Event check-in without exposing ticket numbers
- Tracking analytics by visitor
With dynamic QR codes, each person scanning gets a customized experience while the QR code itself stays the same. For example, an e-commerce site could give each customer their own QR code that takes them to a personalized landing page with their account info. This avoids having to print tons of different QR codes while still providing private info.
Dynamic QR codes can also facilitate anonymous check-ins and access. Let’s say you purchase a ticket to an exclusive conference. The organizer can give you a generic QR code for entry rather than one with your name or ticket number. When you scan your code at the event, it checks you in under the scenes without revealing personal info to staff or other attendees.
Unique sequential QR codes
Related to dynamic QR codes are unique sequential QR codes. These are a series of QR codes that share a similar pattern or design but each one links to something different.
For example, each code might be sequentially numbered or encode a different data variable. Scanning Code 1 versus Code 2 would take you to different web pages. This allows companies to efficiently create custom QR codes while maintaining consistency in their design and branding.
Sequential QR codes are commonly used for:
- Numbered tickets or passes
- Tracking physical assets
- Printing variable QR codes for marketing
- Product serialization and inventory
Like dynamic QR codes, unique sequential codes allow for custom experiences and privacy. Event tickets can be granted entry by number without revealing ticket holder details. Products can be verified without showing consumers private supply chain info.
Can you tell if a QR code is private?
There is no immediate way to visually tell if a QR code is private or links to sensitive content. QR codes themselves are just neutral storage vessels for data.
However, there are a few clues that suggest a QR code may be designed for private use:
- It was given to you individually by name
- It’s labeled as an account code, membership pass, or ticket
- It has an assigned number sequence
- It’s printed on customized materials like a name badge
- Scanning it prompts you to enter a password or PIN
But again, even unique-looking QR codes often simply link out to mundane public websites. There’s no definitive method for discerning private QR codes from public ones out of context.
QR code security considerations
While QR codes themselves aren’t inherently private, there are some security considerations around their use:
- Malware risks: Hackers can potentially redirect QR codes to sites that download malware onto your device. Only scan codes from trusted sources.
- Phishing risks: QR codes could send you to fake lookalike sites to steal your data. Check that web URLs look legitimate.
- Tracker risks: Companies can embed tracking pixels in QR landing sites to gather data on visitors.
- Spam risks: QR codes posted in public places may link out to unwanted advertising or questionable sites. Use your best judgement scanning random codes.
For optimal security, use a QR code reader that warns you before opening unknown links or scans codes in a sandboxed environment. Avoid downloading apps directly from QR codes you haven’t verified.
Private QR code use cases
Here are some examples where QR codes are used to convey private information or access:
1. Secure document sharing
Government agencies and healthcare organizations often use QR codes to share confidential documents. Rather than handing over physical copies, they can generate a QR code that grants access to digital files when scanned by authorized parties. This avoids documents being copied or intercepted.
2. Prescription tracking
Pharmacies are increasingly adding QR codes to prescription medication labels. The codes store data such as the patient’s name, prescription number, and refill status. This helps pharmacists verify and track prescriptions while keeping patient health details private.
3. VIP club entry
Bars, lounges, events, and other venues can provide VIP guests QR code tickets on their phones rather than traditional paper tickets. Scanning the codes grants entry without broadcasting VIP status to everyone.
4. Loyalty program accounts
Retailers often give loyal customers unique QR codes that link to their purchase history page or member discounts. Scanning the code signs the customer into their account without needing to enter an account number or password.
5. Wedding guest management
Brides and grooms can add QR codes to wedding invitations and have guests scan them to access online RSVP portals. This gives real-time attendance counts without exposing guests’ private event responses.
QR code privacy best practices
Here are some best practices for using QR codes privately and securely:
- Use a trusted QR code generator that offers encryption and privacy options.
- For sensitive data, make QR codes dynamically generated rather than static.
- If using unique QR codes, avoid embedding personal identifiers in the code itself.
- Provide a description or label so people know what a code links to before scanning.
- Only generate QR codes that expire after a certain period to avoid stale links.
- Analyze traffic and scans to detect attempted abuse or security breaches.
- Educate QR code scanners not to download apps or enable notifications from unknown codes.
Conclusion
QR codes themselves do not reveal private information – they simply direct scanners to external destinations. However, they can facilitate private experiences through dynamic codes, anonymous access, and personalization. As always, caution is warranted before scanning unknown QR codes to avoid malware risks.
With proper QR management and security precautions, QR codes offer a simple way to provide private, customized engagements at scale. While not completely foolproof, QR codes allow a basic level of privacy not found in alternatives like plain text URLs or ID badges.
As adoption spreads, we’ll likely see QR codes used for more and more private purposes beyond public scanning. But the technology itself is generally neutral – it all depends on how QR codes are implemented and secured.