Why everyone’s talking about... QR codes

QR CODES – those fuzzy grids of black and white squares – seem to be everywhere. They’re set be a key element on the proposed vaccine passports, and shoppers must scan one to use Amazon’s new checkout-free supermarkets. So what’s the story of this new-fangled technology?

Not so new-fangled! QR (or ‘Quick Response’) codes were created in 1994 to track parts for the Japanese car industry, carrying more information than the old strip barcodes could. Inventor Masahiro Hara, who made the patents free to use, was inspired by the black and white pieces in the board game Go.

Why have they taken off now?

They’ve long struggled to gain traction with the public – but then came Covid. QR codes proved an easy way to implement Track and Trace by scanning details of an individual’s location. And since they are most commonly used to carry website links, QR codes quickly became substitutes for physical restaurant menus that may harbour the virus – sending diners to online versions. The fact that mobile phones can now read the codes via their camera app was a big help.

Any other uses?

Codes have been used on statues, historic buildings and even coins to direct the curious to find extra information. People have asked for them on their headstone, linked to an obituary. In one experiment, homeless people in Oxford wore QR codes to take donations. They’re frequent PR gimmicks, too: Bromley Town football players once had QR codes shaved into their heads for their betting firm sponsors, while Guinness embedded a QR code into a pint glass that could only be read when filled with the black stuff. And one gym chain even gave free lifetime membership to fitness freaks willing to have QR entry passes tattooed on to their wrists.

Any downsides?

Since QR codes are easy to generate, fraudsters can use them for malicious means. If a code directs you to a website or wi-fi network, check it’s what you expected before clicking ‘open’.

Fancy giving it a go on your mobile?

Scan the QR code, above, and see what happens.