One morning, Wani and her colleagues attended a briefing by the Bank. The Manager, Rizal told all staff to mark their attendance for training or even briefing by scanning a QR Code that will be given to them. Staff are to use their personal mobile phones and this was to take immediate effect. Staff details will be captured for attendance when this is done.

Wani was puzzled. Wani asked Rizal, why must I use my personal phone to record my attendance in the Bank?

Rizal’s answer: just follow the instruction, this is modern technology at work, simplifying lives.

Workers personal mobile phones are slowly becoming Management tools, in the name of technological enhancement at workplace. Many workers are giving in to this without realising the implications, not just on their personal lives but on all those who are connected to them through their mobile smart phones.

WHAT IS QR CODE?

QR Code is the abbreviation for Quick Response Code. It is a matrix barcode first designed in 1994. It has machine readable optical label that contains information about the item to which it is attached. When a QR Code is combined with permissive reader it can put a computer’s contents and the user’s privacy at risk.

A smart phone is a QR Code reader; and, when you scan a QR Code, you grant access to your camera, full internet access, read/write contact data, GPS, read browser history, read/write local storage and global system changes. Hence, your privacy is jeopardised and you are exposing not only your personal information but also that of all persons connected to you through your mobile smart phone.

Technology must be moderately used. This demand to use your personal smart phones for work is ethically, morally and legally wrong. We therefore, advise all workers to be extremely careful when using your personal smart phones for work related matters.

You have the right to your privacy and your mobile smart phone is not to be used for this kind of work. Don’t lose your rights in the excuse of technology.