QR codes are not inherently dangerous. They’re effectively links we can click in the real world using the camera app on our phone. Like hyperlinks on a web page, QR code “links” can take you to good websites or bad websites. They can also disguise their ultimate destination by using URL shortening services like bitly or owly. But now “free” QR code generator websites – that is, sites that will let you create one of these QR codes by entering the HTTP link you want it to take people to – are using these redirects to basically hold your QR code for ransom. The QR codes they give you use the redirect links to insert themselves into the middle – and after some time, they will stop working until you subscribe and pay them money. If you’ve already printed these codes on hundreds of business cards or dozens of plaques for your restaurant, they they’ve really got you over a barrel. I’ll help you avoid these scams.

In other news: Microsort warns that attackers are quickly leveraging newly reported zero-days; some Chrome extensions are making money by inserting affiliate links for thousands of websites; Microsoft appears to be readying a useful PC cleanup tool for release; Apple clarifies its policy on security updates for older OS releases; a report details how hidden AI algorithms are affecting the lives of DC residents; facial recognition systems are being installed in many soccer stadiums; Uber is planning to bombard their users with ads; Clearview AI has been fined 30M euros by France; Apple is ramping up its own ads on its various apps and devices; and I answer another Dear Carey question, this one on the case that is bringing Section 230 in front of the Supreme Court.

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