App and web-based ordering has become a popular way to get food and drinks to the table since Covid restrictions have been lifted.
Several restaurants have turned to the technology route, which allows customers to order food and drink via their smartphones through a QR code. The QR codes hold a massive amount of data compared to standard barcodes. In an article by Senior Policy Analyst Jay Stanley. He states, the QR codes you see in restaurants are actually generated by a different company that collects, uses, and then often shares your personal information with other companies.
The ICO suggested consumers should be mindful of how much data they are allowing to be processed when ordering from pubs and restaurants. Using QR codes during your visits to restaurants and drinking establishments helps build a profile of you. The QR code will gain an insight into who you are, where you go (location data), what you do and potentially your favourite eating and drinking habits.
We must be mindful of the electronic trail we are creating, and how much information we are making available to parties. If there is a way you can limit the amount of personal data, it may be best to opt to order in person rather than via the QR code. Technology is becoming more dominant within the food industry, but we must still be vigilant with who and how we share our data.
The ICO has stated that consumers should be aware that sharing their data is a choice.
All Response Media viewpoint
Due to the pandemic; we will continue to move faster into a technological world. In order to protect ourselves we must read and asses what data is being processed, why and how. This information should be readily available through a privacy notice for consumers to analyse and make an informed decision on whether or not they would like to proceed with sharing the data. Be vigilant on who you are sharing your information with, and remember you have a right to opt of data sharing processes.
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