QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient way to quickly share information. Event ticketing companies like Ticketmaster have started using QR codes to help streamline the ticket buying and entry process. But can you just take a screenshot of the QR code and still get in? Let’s take a closer look.
What are QR codes and how do they work?
QR codes (short for Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by a smartphone camera. They were originally invented in 1994 by a Japanese company called Denso Wave to track vehicle parts in manufacturing. However, QR codes have since evolved into a much more versatile use case.
A QR code consists of a matrix of black and white squares that represent different pieces of data. This data is encoded into the QR code when it is generated. The most common types of data stored in a QR code are website URLs, text, contact information, calendar events, and WiFi login details. Anything that can be represented digitally can be translated into a QR code.
To read a QR code, you need a smartphone with a camera and a QR code scanning app installed. Popular apps include the default Camera apps on iOS and Android devices, as well as third party apps like QR Code Reader, QR Scanner, and Kaspersky QR Scanner. The app uses the smartphone’s camera to take a picture of the QR code and then uses algorithms to analyze the code’s matrix pattern. It converts the black and white square pattern into binary 1’s and 0’s and decodes it into the data that was encoded.
How Ticketmaster uses QR codes
Ticketmaster has integrated QR codes into their ticketing process in a few different ways:
- QR codes are printed on physical tickets that are mailed out. The QR code contains details about the event, seat location, and acts as the ticket ID.
- QR codes are shown on mobile tickets purchased through the Ticketmaster app. The digital QR code can be scanned right from the user’s smartphone screen when entering the event.
- Event venues have started installing QR code scanners at the entrances rather than having employees manually scan each ticket. Attendees simply open their ticket barcode in the app and hold their phone screen up to the scanner.
Using QR codes allows Ticketmaster to streamline the ticket verification process. It also provides security benefits since QR codes contain encrypted data that cannot be easily copied or forged like traditional barcodes. Overall, QR codes offer a quicker and more convenient experience for customers attending events.
Why taking a screenshot won’t work
At first glance, it might seem like taking a screenshot of a Ticketmaster QR code would allow you to reuse it or share it with others. However, there are a few key reasons why a QR code screenshot won’t work:
- The screenshot converts the QR code into a static image instead of a scannable code. When the QR code reader app analyzes a screenshot, it can’t properly detect the QR code matrix pattern.
- QR codes are generated to be digitally signed and verifiable. Taking a screenshot removes the digital signature which is used to validate the ticket.
- Many Ticketmaster tickets have moving QR codes that refresh every few seconds. A screenshot only captures one moment in time.
- Tickets purchased together are often linked or grouped for entry. A single screenshot QR code won’t have the proper group identifiers.
Overall, Ticketmaster has implemented functionality to prevent screenshots from being valid tickets. The QR codes contain encrypted data with security features that cannot be replicated in a static image. When venue staff scan a screenshot QR code at the entrance, it will immediately be identified as invalid and denied.
Other ways QR code screenshots don’t work
Beyond Ticketmaster, there are a few other common ways that QR code screenshots won’t work as expected:
- Boarding passes: Similar to event tickets, airline boarding passes now use secure, updating QR codes that become invalid if screenshotted.
- Payments: Apps like Venmo and PayPal have QR code payment features. Screenshots won’t properly initiate a payment due to security encryption.
- WiFi logins: Some WiFi networks like coffee shops now provide access via a QR code. A screenshot likely won’t properly connect a device to the network.
- Menus and ordering: Restaurants are using QR codes on menus and table signs for contactless ordering. Screenshots won’t interface with the ordering system.
- Product authentication: QR codes are sometimes used to verify the authenticity of a luxury good. A screenshot can’t properly check the product’s digital signature.
The common thread is that QR codes are designed not to work when screenshotted for security purposes. Companies implement advanced protections to prevent misuse or theft. A user may see a QR code displayed on their smartphone screen, but taking a screenshot adds an extra layer that fundamentally changes the code’s scannability and functionality.
Exceptions where QR code screenshots work
There are some exceptions where a screenshot of a QR code may still work:
- If the QR code simply links to a website or piece of static content, a screenshot can still detect that basic data.
- A screenshot might work if the scanner has poor security protections and can’t detect screenshots.
- Some QR code generators don’t properly implement digitally signed codes, leaving them vulnerable.
However, most major companies now implement advanced QR code protections specifically to prevent screenshots from being valid. And as QR code security improves over time, fewer exceptions will likely exist where basic screenshots still function.
Ethical concerns around QR code screenshots
While QR code screenshots may not reliably work, some users still attempt them in hopes of gaining unauthorized entry to events or other perks. This brings up ethical concerns surrounding screenshot usage that are important to discuss.
- It can constitute fraud if a altered QR code is intentionally used to gain entry somewhere, obtain free products, etc.
- Sharing valid QR codes on social media to give others access could be considered theft.
- Hacking techniques like QR code injections to try and bypass security puts systems at risk.
- Distributing or selling screenshot QR codes casts doubt on the usefulness of QR code tech in general.
When used properly, QR codes offer big benefits to both companies and consumers. But misusing the technology damages trust and hurts honest QR code usage. It raises issues around privacy, security, and ethical data usage that require increased diligence.
Conclusion
Screenshotting a Ticketmaster QR code won’t successfully allow entry into an event or ticket verification. Ticketmaster implements updated QR code technology with encrypted signatures and other protections specifically designed to prevent screenshots from working. Unauthorized QR code screenshots raise ethical concerns and should be avoided in favor of proper ticket purchase and usage.