How QR Codes and CCPA Compliance Can Shape Your Data Security

When QR codes made their big comeback during COVID as a touch-free route to menus, information, and services, they proved to be more than a convenience — they were a necessity. Still, despite their widespread adoption, some remained anxious around privacy. After all, scanning a code to input your information definitely seems dubious–initially at least. And especially without a solid understanding how QR technology works. 

For that reason precisely, a QR provider like Flowcode, one that’s committed to stringent security and protection, becomes indispensable. But there are tons of compliance standards out there. With each one bringing their own unique flavor of security measures. 

Today, we’re talking about the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Here’s what that means to QR code creators and scanners alike. 

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Understanding CCPA

Enacted in 2018, the CCPA was California's answer to increasing data breaches. With roots planted by the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), CCPA was designed to afford Californians significant rights concerning how their personal information is handled. Additionally, with this act, consumers know when their data is being collected and how it is being used. Last but not least, it provides an opt-out option for data exchanges and sales. 

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What CCPA compliance means for Flowcode users

CCPA legislation mandates transparency in data collection and usage, requires companies to comply with consumer data requests, and enforces rigorous security measures to protect personal information. 

Now, how does Flowcode measure up? Check, check, and check.

For enterprises using QR technology, data protection is something you can’t compromise on. After all, QR codes are essentially gateways to digital content. Flowcodes, for instance, are ubiquitous — from the subway stations of New York City to football stadiums in Houston and national parks across California. Meaning, without the proper safeguards we uphold, scanners could potentially find themselves on a harmful site or subjected to data harvesting. 

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Why CCPA compliance matters

Organizations falling under CCPA regulations typically meet one of the following criteria:

• Annual gross revenues exceeding $25 million.
• Buying, selling, or sharing the personal data of 100K or more California residents or households.
• Deriving 50% or more of their annual revenues from selling Californians' personal information.

Adherence to CCPA should be viewed as more than a badge of honor for these companies though. At its foundation, CCPA is about protecting the rights of consumers and maintaining trust.

So what makes CCPA so secure? Let’s examine the key requirements. 

• Consumer rights: Respecting the consumer's rights to access, delete, or opt-out of their data being sold.
• Transparency: Updating privacy policies to explicitly disclose what data is collected, its purpose, and who it is shared with.
• Data protection: Implementing reasonable security measures to prevent data breaches.
• Process implementation: Efficiently handling consumer requests regarding their data rights.
• Vendor compliance: Ensuring that third-party vendors are also CCPA compliant.
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Broader implications and key privacy provisions of CCPA

Beyond individual consumer interactions, CCPA compliance influences broader organizational practices. These may be employee data management, background checks, and monitoring systems. Likewise, organizations are tasked with conducting thorough risk assessments, often even hiring professionals to audit and enhance their cybersecurity measures.

Many might say CCPA's privacy provisions are extensive. However, it’s important that they’re comprehensive in order to fully endow consumer rights. These include: 

• Right to know: Understanding what personal data is collected and how it is used or shared.
• Right to delete: Requesting the deletion of personal data.
• Right to opt-out: Opting out of the sale or sharing of personal information.
• Right to limit use: Restricting how sensitive personal information is used and/or disclosed.
• Private right of action: The ability for consumers to sue if their data is insufficiently protected.
• Privacy policy disclosures: Requirement of detailed privacy policies that outline data handling practices.
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Trust Flowcode with your brand’s data

With an ever-growing reliance on connected technology for everyday interactions, the security of your personal information has never been at a more critical point. Flowcode is committed to providing top-tier QR code technology. Yet, a major part of that focus is our devotion to ensuring that every scan respects and protects your data according to the highest standards.