The QR code anatomy: data (1), position markers (2), quiet zone (3) and optional logos (4). Scott Ruoti , CC BY-ND The data in a QR code is a series of dots in a square grid.

The trouble is, with QR codes, you may not be able to tell the difference between a malicious code and a legitimate one until you've scanned it. But there are a few ways you can avoid fakes.

QR codes are those square barcode-looking things that when scanned by your iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or any other phone, can send you straight to a particular webpage or to download an app ...

Its proposed "Trust Exchange" system would use QR codes made popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, or a "tap-to-pay" system to let people share information kept under their MyGov accounts.