I've seen a number of toots today advising people against scanning random #QRCodes because they can be used in a number of malicious ways.

There are a number of legitimate ways people can use such codes to trick others, and it can require some deeper understanding of how systems work to avoid them. For that reason, I'm not going to contradict that recommendation, but I will add to it.

QR codes are usually just URLs encoded in a visual, machine-readable form, so they aren't necessarily more dangerous than a link. The danger comes from the fact that most scanner apps will directly open whatever URL you scan without giving you the opportunity to consider whether that's a good idea.

You can reduce the risk of scanning such codes by installing a better app which requires manual interaction to open URLs after decoding them.

For android users I recommend "BinaryEye", since it's open-source, ad-free, and has a bunch of other useful features.

Its github page links to both F-Droid and the play store:

github.com/markusfisch/BinaryE…

#privacy #security

GitHub - markusfisch/BinaryEye: Yet another barcode scanner for Android

Yet another barcode scanner for Android. Contribute to markusfisch/BinaryEye development by creating an account on GitHub.

^GitHub

You may think that QR codes are great for securing your login, or letting users read more online about a product marketed in a news paper ad. But there is a high risk you are creating barriers for people with disabilities, unless you use QR codes correctly.

buff.ly/4bP0QYI

#QR #QRCodes #Marketing #Accessibility #A11y #DigitalAccessibility

Accessible QR Codes - The Ultimate Guide

^{Daniel Göransson (Axess Lab)}