Someone brought this accidental QR Code usage to my attention last August, but thanks to Fred Trotter, O’Reilly Radar’s open source health blogger, who happened to be flying through Orlando recently, I now have photographic proof!
The TSA’s “Hola Niños!” sign at MCO, showing off my QR Code
In his post, The Transportation Security Administration’s QR Code flub, Fred speculates on the ease with which published QR Codes could be hijacked with stickers—and wonders if that was the case here. Think how trivial it would be for an “Anonymous” band of individuals to surreptitiously sticker over TSA QR Codes with ones that link to Bruce Schneier articles. This is the stuff of cyberpunk fiction!
Unfortunately the truth in this case is far more benign. My QR Code was accidentally used as a stand-in by whomever designed the poster, and was never checked before it went to press—not to mention anytime in the four months since it’s been on display.
Back in July, Andy Baio posted a link about these virtual South Korean grocery stores where people can shop by scanning QR Codes next to photos of the items (while waiting for the subway).
Tesco’s virtual grocery store in South Korea
Well, apparently they’re also making a splash in Chile. I just hope they stock up on lots of tasty Justinsomnia!
Screenshot of Jumbo Mobile in Chile showing off my QR Code
I got a heads up from Jon Cameron the other day letting me know that PayPal had unveiled a concept video outlining their vision of The Future of Shopping—in which my QR Code plays a prominent role. Here are some screenshots from the video.
Man enters a hardware store and a unique ad catches his eye
Today I found out that BlackBerry India ran an ad (not unlike their current homepage) prominently displaying my QR Code on the front page of the Hindi-language Dainik Bhaskar (specifically the Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh editions), which apparently has one of the highest daily paid circulations in the world. The error is particularly ironic given that the ad touts a new “add friend by QR Code” feature—apparently I’m a very special friend.
Palash Karia, who gave me the heads up, snapped a quick camera phone pic for me:
