GS1 QR Code for Identity Verification in Public Sector

GS1 QR Code for Identity Verification in Public Sector

Traditional password security is becoming increasingly unreliable due to costly breaches. For this reason, many industries, including the public sector, are transitioning towards GS1 QR codes as a more secure alternative.

One of the most obvious applications of the QR codes is identity verification. These codes can be used to confirm if the person is actually who they say they are. They can also authenticate ID cards, driver’s licenses, health insurance cards, and more. 

But how do these QR codes for identity verification in public sector work? And just how safe are they for these purposes? Let's have a look.

Table of Contents

    1. Identity verification challenges
    2. Using GS1 QR code for identity verification in public sector
    3. The benefits of using GS1 QR code for identity verification
    4. How to use GS1 QR code for identity verification
    5. Is it safe to use GS1 2D barcodes for identity verification?
    6. Step up the security game with GS1 QR code for identity verification in public sector
    7. Frequently asked questions

Identity verification challenges

The growth of AI has led to a significant increase in identity fraud and identity threats. Due to this, it has become important to deploy advanced identity verification techniques in the public sector, like GS1 2D barcodes. But it’s not as straightforward as it seems. There are so many identity verification challenges. 

Sensitive information

The data collected during identity verification is highly sensitive; therefore, personal information such as biometric data, social security numbers, etc., must be protected. 

Apart from cyber threats, there is also accidental leakage of data. This is more common than you could think, as according to the Federal Trade Commission, about 2.2 million consumers reported fraud reports in 2020. Such cases harm law enforcement agencies' reputations as well as victims whose data is stolen.  

Cost implications

Government bodies need comprehensive verification systems to protect data during identity verification.

Unfortunately, these systems are very expensive. The high cost includes not just the initial investment in technology but also ongoing expenses for maintenance, upgrades, and training to handle these complex systems.

Identity theft

According to the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2023, California reported the most number of identity theft reports, reaching 119,929 reports in total. 

Criminals gain access to personal information to access unauthorized services and commit fraud. For instance, if someone obtains access to a person’s driver’s license through inadequate verification processes, they could use the information to access bank accounts and make purchases in someone else’s name. 

Integration challenges

Even if we somehow overcome the other challenges, it’s still difficult to integrate the new identity verification technologies with the existing systems. This situation demands a solution that is compatible with modern verification systems. 

For instance, integrating a new biometric system with an old database may require a lot of modifications that would lead to even higher costs. 

Using GS1 QR code for identity verification in public sector

Successful GS1 barcode verification

Luckily, we have a QR code for identity verification in public sector that can overcome all the challenges mentioned above. It is not only cost-effective but also eases the process of identity verification. 

Since the QR codes for verification can be easily read by any compliant scanner or smartphone, GS1 QR code tracking is no hassle. It’s quick and straightforward, unlike traditional methods that take much time to process the information. 

Here’s why GS1 QR codes for government and public services are beneficial for identity verification. 

The benefits of using GS1 2D barcode for identity verification

Here are the top benefits of the GS1 2D barcodes in identity verification in public sectors.

Less cost

Implementing identity QR codes is an incredibly cost-effective solution. Unlike expensive hardware needed for other security systems, QR codes require minimal investment.

A QR code for government public services can be easily used on identification cards or other documents without the high costs associated with biometric systems. 

Furthermore, the static QR codes are generally free of cost, and they remain free throughout. However, dynamic codes are usually available for a fee, but they offer added value, such as real-time updates and advanced security features, making them well worth the investment. 

Added security

GS1 2D barcodes have security features like encryption that protect information from tampering and theft. For additional security, some organizations rely on digital signatures to verify the QR code's legitimacy.

In addition, timestamps on QR code data are also common for an added layer of security. If an alteration is detected, the authentication process will simply be abandoned. 

Simple and convenient

The best thing about the government using QR codes for identity verification is that people don’t need to wait for the identification process. The code can be scanned in seconds, so anyone can instantly retrieve the necessary information. 

Standardization with GS1 2D barcode

GS1 2D barcodes are standardized, which means they are widely accepted internationally. They are readable by any compliant scanners and mobile phones. In fact, smartphones have compatible built-in cameras that can easily scan QR codes. 
Due to its global acceptance, a GS1 barcode used for identity verification in the public sector of one country can be scanned and understood just as easily in another, ensuring international compatibility.

How to use GS1 QR code for identity verification

Identity verification GS1 QR code

QR codes can be used to deliver more data in less time. For this reason, GS1 QR code for user manuals and support information are also very common. These codes are safe and secure, so they can be used for identity verification.

Below are some cases of use of the QR code for identity verification in public sector. 

Government employee IDs

An easy way to authenticate employee IDs is to add GS1 barcodes. The ID will have the employee's name, photo, designation, etc., and a QR code. Since cards only allow limited details to be printed, QR codes will provide access to more information, making the cards more valuable.  

Patient ID cards in healthcare

QR codes are safe and secure. Therefore, they can be embedded with large amounts of sensitive and confidential patient data. Patient ID cards can be used to scan patients' medical histories quickly during emergencies. 

Public transport access

Government QR codes can also be labeled on public transportation passes. They can be scanned at entry points to check the payment status and verify the passenger’s eligibility and other characteristics. 

Voter ID cards

Voter ID cards are a great use case for QR code authentication. They can expedite voter verification, as election officials can scan the voter’s identity and eligibility to reduce wait times associated with verification processes. 

Is it safe to use GS1 2D barcodes for identity verification?

Yes, GS1 2D barcodes are designed with safety and security in mind. They are equipped with advanced encryption methods that make them a reliable choice for QR codes for identity verification in public sector.

GS1 adhere to global security standards and are accepted by all countries. This makes them universally readable and compatible with many different systems. 

While QR codes are safe in themselves, many cyber criminals use them for phishing by creating malicious codes. It’s possible that cyber criminals embed a URL that leads to a phishing website whenever someone scans the code. 

However, a few precautions can save your organization from a big problem. 
  • Only use a trusted QR code generator to generate a code.
  • Employees should use browsers that offer anti-tracking features.
  • Use HTTPS protocols to protect users when they scan the code.
  • Test the QR code before distribution to ensure it doesn’t direct to any harmful links.
  • Enable two-factor authentication when accessing content linked by the QR code on office devices.

Step up the security game with GS1 QR code for identity verification in public sector

If there’s a technology that provides secure identity verification in public sectors, it is QR codes. They are internationally accepted and offer encryption that protects against fraud and identity theft. 

The GS1 for identity verification in public sector is easy to use, simple to understand, and convenient to implement. The best part is that they can be easily paired with existing modern verification systems. 

So, all you need to do is create QR codes through our GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator and make the most out of these simple yet reliable two-dimensional squares. 


Frequently asked questions

How do I create a GS1 QR code for verification?

Follow these steps to create a QR code for verification:
  • Access the GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator on a browser.
  • Choose among the static and dynamic QR codes and paste your URL.
  • Use the customization features to personalize your QR code.
  • Test the QR code preview.
  • Click on “Generate QR code.”
  • Download your QR code. 

What is QR code verification?

QR code verification is a security process where a QR code is used to authenticate a user’s identity. For instance, when someone scans a QR code with their device, the mobile app decodes the QR code’s data and sends it to the authentication server. Once the information is verified, the user gets access to the website or application.

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