QR Codes and Tracking URLs

QR codes are generally used for marketing purposes as most people would use their smart phones to scan the code. While the Office of Information Technology (OIT) doesn’t prohibit the use of QR codes, OIT still requests that our policies be followed in order to protect our constituents’ information and safety. For more information on generating QR codes, visit our design page.

REQUEST FOR CREATING QR CODES

If you need QR codes generated, Web Services can create them for print materials as long as the following security standards are met:

• Doesn’t collect personal information.
• Doesn’t have personal information embedded into it.
• Doesn’t direct people to malicious links or install bad apps.

QR CODES FROM VENDORS

QR codes from vendors should also meet the above security standards and should have permission from OIT before being distributed. 

Tracking URLs 

Tracking URLs are different than QR codes or Vanity URLs, although they are often confused. Tracking URLs are used to track views on a page from a specific source, for example a mailer or brochure, by using a unique URL. Although not currently available, tracking URLs will be possible to request from Web Services at some point in the future, allowing agencies to track efficacy of their campaigns and initiatives separately from general web traffic.