QR Code Fails at the VP Debate: If Only CBS Had Used Flowcode

Last night’s vice-presidential debate was supposed to be a moment of insight, with CBS providing almost 60M viewers with a way to access real-time fact-checking through an on-screen QR code. Even major publications like The New York Times and others had promoted the code in advance. It was a brilliant concept—until it wasn’t. As viewers reached for their phones to scan the code, they were met not with facts but with frustration. The QR code simply didn’t work, leaving a host of disappointed users staring at error screens rather than diving into the truth behind the candidates' claims.

After it failed, they clearly received the feedback, because in the last half hour, they added a static code. This was virtually unscannable. The static QR code failed to capture any meaningful scan metrics due to its high density, small size, and poor contrast. By choosing a static code instead of a dynamic, easily scannable option like Flowcode, CBS missed an opportunity to engage its audience and gather actionable insights.

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It was a moment where technology could have elevated the debate experience, but instead, it failed. We couldn’t help but wonder: What if CBS had used Flowcode instead?

When QR codes fail, like CBS’s did last night, it’s more than a glitch—it’s a missed opportunity that damages brand trust and engagement. QR codes connect the offline and digital worlds, offering instant access to valuable information, and when they don't work, it reflects poorly on the brand. CBS’s goal was to provide real-time fact-checking, but the conversation quickly shifted to the tech fail, with viewers flooding Twitter to roast the malfunctioning code, overshadowing the debate itself.

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Flowcode: The QR Code Platform Built for High-Stakes Moments

At Flowcode, we understand that QR codes are more than just a tool; they are a critical part of how brands and companies engage with their audiences. That’s why we’ve built a platform designed to ensure that QR codes work flawlessly, especially when it matters most. Whether it’s live TV, a major sporting event, or a high-profile product launch, Flowcode delivers performance you can count on.

We don't just create QR codes—we ensure they work flawlessly in real-world conditions, even under heavy traffic. Flowcode bridges the physical and digital worlds seamlessly, guaranteeing reliable performance every time, so your audience never faces an error screen.

Here’s how Flowcode could have made the difference:

1. Load Testing for High-Traffic Events: Flowcode performs rigorous load testing for every campaign, ensuring that QR codes can handle high traffic without crashing. Whether a code is scanned by 100 or 100,000 people, our platform remains stable. CBS’s fact-checking QR code clearly wasn’t prepared for the influx of scans during a live debate, but if they had partnered with Flowcode, our platform would have been stress-tested to ensure it could handle the pressure.
2. Real-Time Engagement Tracking: Flowcode provides real-time insights into how many people are scanning, what content they're engaging with, and how they interact post-scan. CBS could have tracked audience behavior during the debate, offering instant feedback and adapting content accordingly.
3. White-Glove Support: Flowcode offers dedicated support from start to finish. Our team works closely with partners to ensure flawless execution, providing everything from custom code design to technical assistance. CBS would have had a team of experts to ensure the QR code was ready to perform under pressure, minimizing any risk of failure.
4. First-Party Data Collection and Insights: Flowcode helps brands capture valuable first-party data through every scan, giving companies actionable insights into consumer behavior. Our FlowID technology tracks known and anonymous users, allowing brands to better understand their audience and tailor future engagements. CBS could have leveraged this data to gain insights into which topics viewers were most interested in, enhancing future broadcasts with more targeted content.
5. Enterprise-Grade Security: In an age where data privacy is more important than ever, Flowcode is fully compliant with GDPR, CCPA, and SOC II regulations, ensuring that all user data is handled securely and responsibly. CBS, with its millions of viewers, needed a platform that could guarantee data security while providing a seamless user experience. Flowcode’s security protocols would have ensured that user privacy was maintained without compromising functionality.

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A Better Experience, Every Time

Technology has the power to elevate experiences—when it works. But when it fails, like CBS’s QR code did, it distracts from the moment and leaves audiences frustrated. At Flowcode, we make sure that doesn’t happen. Our technology is built to enhance, not hinder, delivering flawless performance even in the most high-pressure situations.

Because when it comes to something as important as real-time fact-checking during a national debate, there’s no room for error—especially not Error 404.

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