The End of QR Codes?

 

Written by Michelle Selina

Quick Response (QR) codes have been a staple in digital identification since their invention in 1994 by Denso Wave. Initially used for tracking automotive parts, they have since expanded into marketing, payments, authentication, and product information. By 2025, over 11 billion QR code scans will occur worldwide, proving their widespread adoption. However, despite their convenience, QR codes pose significant security risks, including phishing scams, malware attacks, and fraud. Critics argue that AI-powered alternatives could provide a smarter, more secure solution.

The Evolution from Barcodes to QR Codes

  • Barcodes (1970s): Linear barcodes were the first step in automated product identification, storing limited data (usually numbers).
  • QR Codes (1994): Developed by Denso Wave, QR codes stored more data (up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters) and could be scanned from any angle.
  • Current Usage (2025): Used in payments (e.g., Alipay, Venmo), restaurant menus, boarding passes, and product tracking.

QR codes offer numerous benefits that make them a popular tool across various industries. They are fast and convenient, allowing users to instantly access websites or information simply by scanning with a smartphone camera. They are also cost-efficient, free to generate, and easy to print, making them an ideal solution for small businesses. Their versatility is another major advantage, as they can be used for everything from payments and digital menus to event check-ins and marketing. Additionally, QR codes support contactless interactions, which became especially important during the pandemic for ensuring safety and hygiene.

A 2024 report by Kaspersky found a 400% increase in QR code-related fraud since 2022, forcing businesses to seek alternatives.

Can AI Replace QR Codes?

Artificial Intelligence offers dynamic, secure, and fraud-resistant alternatives:

1. AI-powered object Recognition

  • How It Works: AI cameras scan products, logos, or even faces to retrieve digital information without needing a QR code.
  • Implementation: Retailers like Amazon Go use computer vision to identify items in real time, eliminating the need for barcodes.

2. NFC & Digital Tokens

  • Near-Field Communication (NFC) allows secure, encrypted data transfer (e.g., Apple Pay, digital IDs).
  • Dynamic tokens change with each transaction, preventing replay attacks.

3. Blockchain-Based Digital IDs

  • Blockchain ensures tamper-proof verification (e.g., Ethereum’s decentralized identifiers).
  • Used in supply chain tracking to replace static QR codes with live updates.

4. AI-Generated Digital Watermarks

  • Invisible watermarks embedded in images or packaging can be scanned by AI for authentication.
  • Used by luxury brands to combat counterfeiting.

Why Haven’t QR Codes Been Fully Replaced?

QR codes remain popular due to their low cost, ease of use, and wide familiarity. Replacing them with AI-powered systems requires significant investment in new hardware and software. Additionally, there’s no universally adopted AI alternative yet. Still, as AI becomes more accessible, a transition is likely inevitable.

The Future of Secure Digital Interaction

As AI technology advances and becomes more accessible, we’re likely to see the increased adoption of smarter alternatives to QR codes. From on-device AI processing to standardized blockchain IDs, the tools are becoming more practical for everyday use. Over time, secure systems like dynamic digital tokens, AI-driven object recognition, and digital watermarks will begin to replace static QR codes, especially in industries where trust and authentication are critical. While the transition won’t happen overnight, it’s underway.

Conclusion

QR codes have served us well, offering a simple and cost-effective bridge between the physical and digital worlds. But as security threats rise and AI-powered solutions become more viable, it's time to start looking beyond them. The future of digital interaction is dynamic, secure, and intelligent, and AI is leading the way.

References

Birch D. G. W. https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbirch/2025/04/05/now-we-have-ai-we-can-get-rid-of-insecure-qr-codes-for-good/

Solulab, https://www.solulab.com/ai-and-blockchain-in-qr-codes/

QR Code Kit, https://qrcodekit.com/news/qr-code-trends/

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