Ever look at digital restaurant menus? You could open yourself up to more tracking
The pandemic has led to many changes, and among them is the rise in contactless systems. More people are using their smartphones to pay for goods and services. You may also have noticed an uptick in QR codes at establishments. These Quick Response barcodes make it easy to get more information about pretty much anything from an app to an article of clothing. They have other uses as well.
When sharing your Wi-Fi password, you have to be careful. Even giving it to someone you trust heightens the risk that your credentials can end up in the wrong hands. QR codes are a secure way to let your friends and loved ones into your network. Tap or click here for instructions.
Restaurants are using QR codes to add supplemental information to their menus or even replace them entirely. Most smartphones have QR readers built right in so you can sit down and plan your meal accordingly. So, what’s the catch? You may be getting more than just details on the chef’s special. Are QR codes safe to use when it comes to privacy?
Easy to use, but what’s the catch?
It’s a sad fact that your online habits will always be tracked. Companies and businesses want to know where you’ve been, what you did there, how to contact you, what you like and don’t like and more.
The New York Times has a new report about those paper menu-replacing QR codes added to restaurants, especially during the pandemic. It turns out those little pixelated squares can collect customer data.
The report cites information from the National Restaurant Association, stating that half of all full-service restaurants in the U.S. have added QR code menus since the start of the pandemic.
The restaurants can use collected information to track their customers’ orders and contact information. They can then send customers unsolicited personalized offers, coupons and advertisements.
Your personal information can be tracked through an app or website once you scan a QR code. In some cases, you are required to create an account, providing your email address at the very least.
A restaurant can entice you to spend more money with add-ons tailored to your order. These virtual menus also reduce the need for servers to take your order.
Track attack
The Times describes two companies that offer technology for restaurants to create QR codes. Mr. Yum and Cheqout not only sell the tech but can also track customers’ orders and provide that information to the restaurant, along with the customer’s contact information.
15 things to help you kick your bad habits
This past year has been a long one. The pandemic has turned our worlds upside down, and we’re all happy 2020 has come to an end.
While New Year’s Eve parties weren’t quite as extravagant as years past, you can still get started on the right track for 2021. It’s time to get rid of those bad habits you’ve formed over the years.
Doorbell app is handing over your data to Facebook
Facebook has a history of mishandling users’ personal information. It’s been caught multiple times sharing private data with other companies.
Multiple privacy breaches have led many people to delete their Facebook accounts altogether. You should think about deleting yours, too. Tap or click here to find out how to delete your Facebook account.