QR-Code-Generator.com “free” QR code lockout: Difference between revisions

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==Background==

Bitly owns and operates [https://QR-Code-Generator.com QR-Code-Generator.com], a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=How can I reactivate my QR Codes? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665090677005-How-can-I-reactivate-my-QR-Codes#:~:text=Your%20QR%20Codes%20may%20be,more%20of%20your%20QR%20Codes |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jun 2025 |title=I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665013224205-I-received-a-message-saying-that-my-QR-Codes-will-be-deactivated-What-does-that-mean#:~:text=Any%20Dynamic%20QR%20Codes%20you,QR%20codes%20or%20vice%20versa. |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref> This ~~often results~~ in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=u/Administrative_Bit10 |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com ) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/15asa5h/if_ever_need_a_qr_code_for_your_design_stay_away/ |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>

Bitly owns and operates [https://QR-Code-Generator.com QR-Code-Generator.com], a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan, this is not made clear to users when creating the QR code.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=How can I reactivate my QR Codes? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665090677005-How-can-I-reactivate-my-QR-Codes#:~:text=Your%20QR%20Codes%20may%20be,more%20of%20your%20QR%20Codes |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jun 2025 |title=I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665013224205-I-received-a-message-saying-that-my-QR-Codes-will-be-deactivated-What-does-that-mean#:~:text=Any%20Dynamic%20QR%20Codes%20you,QR%20codes%20or%20vice%20versa. |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref> This can result in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=u/Administrative_Bit10 |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com ) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/15asa5h/if_ever_need_a_qr_code_for_your_design_stay_away/ |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>

A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=u/whoisfryingbaloney |date=23 Aug 2021 |title=Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Despite being over four years old, ~~these reports mirror current user experiences~~, indicating the practice has persisted for years.

A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=u/whoisfryingbaloney |date=23 Aug 2021 |title=Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Despite being over four years old, users continue to post on this article, indicating the practice has persisted for years.

==Incident==

Multiple new user reports emerged describing the same pattern of QR codes becoming inactive after creation unless a subscription fee was paid. Many users claim they were unaware of any time limit or requirement for ongoing payment at the time of code creation. These codes, ~~once printed and distributed, ceased to function—leading~~ to wasted production costs and damaged customer trust.

Multiple new user reports emerged describing the same pattern of QR codes becoming inactive after creation unless a subscription fee was paid. Many users claim they were unaware of any time limit or requirement for ongoing payment at the time of code creation. These codes would later cease to function, leading to wasted production costs and damaged customer trust.

==Bitly's response==

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 ==Background==
 {{Ph-I-B}}
-Bitly owns and operates [https://QR-Code-Generator.com QR-Code-Generator.com], a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=How can I reactivate my QR Codes? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665090677005-How-can-I-reactivate-my-QR-Codes#:~:text=Your%20QR%20Codes%20may%20be,more%20of%20your%20QR%20Codes |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jun 2025 |title=I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665013224205-I-received-a-message-saying-that-my-QR-Codes-will-be-deactivated-What-does-that-mean#:~:text=Any%20Dynamic%20QR%20Codes%20you,QR%20codes%20or%20vice%20versa. |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref> This often results in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=u/Administrative_Bit10 |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com ) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/15asa5h/if_ever_need_a_qr_code_for_your_design_stay_away/ |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>
+Bitly owns and operates [https://QR-Code-Generator.com QR-Code-Generator.com], a platform marketed as offering “free” QR code creation. Many users have reported that while the service initially generates functioning QR codes at no cost, those codes are later deactivated unless the user subscribes to a paid plan, this is not made clear to users when creating the QR code.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 Jun 2024 |title=How can I reactivate my QR Codes? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665090677005-How-can-I-reactivate-my-QR-Codes#:~:text=Your%20QR%20Codes%20may%20be,more%20of%20your%20QR%20Codes |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=11 Jun 2025 |title=I received a message saying that my QR Codes will be deactivated. What does that mean? |url=https://support.qr-code-generator.com/hc/en-us/articles/7665013224205-I-received-a-message-saying-that-my-QR-Codes-will-be-deactivated-What-does-that-mean#:~:text=Any%20Dynamic%20QR%20Codes%20you,QR%20codes%20or%20vice%20versa. |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=QR Code Generator Support}}</ref> This can result in substantial financial and reputational losses for individuals and businesses who have already printed the codes on packaging, signage, or promotional materials.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=u/Administrative_Bit10 |date=27 Jul 2023 |title=If ever need a QR code for your design, stay away from (qr-code-generator.com ) |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/graphic_design/comments/15asa5h/if_ever_need_a_qr_code_for_your_design_stay_away/ |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref>
-A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=u/whoisfryingbaloney |date=23 Aug 2021 |title=Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Despite being over four years old, these reports mirror current user experiences, indicating the practice has persisted for years.
+A widely discussed Reddit post from 2021 titled "Don't order a QR code from qrcodegenerator.com..." has over 230 comments detailing similar consumer complaints.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=u/whoisfryingbaloney |date=23 Aug 2021 |title=Don't order a QR Code from QR-code-generator.com. They say NOTHING about a paid monthly subscription of 15$/ mo when you sign up but wait 2 weeks after you've gotten your code (and had it printed on material) before they disable your QR code and try to make you pay once your backed into a corner. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/assholedesign/comments/pa96df/dont_order_a_qr_code_from_qrcodegeneratorcom_they/ |url-status=live |access-date=15 Aug 2025 |website=Reddit}}</ref> Despite being over four years old, users continue to post on this article, indicating the practice has persisted for years.
 ==Incident==
 {{Ph-I-I}}
-Multiple new user reports emerged describing the same pattern of QR codes becoming inactive after creation unless a subscription fee was paid. Many users claim they were unaware of any time limit or requirement for ongoing payment at the time of code creation. These codes, once printed and distributed, ceased to function—leading to wasted production costs and damaged customer trust.
+Multiple new user reports emerged describing the same pattern of QR codes becoming inactive after creation unless a subscription fee was paid. Many users claim they were unaware of any time limit or requirement for ongoing payment at the time of code creation. These codes would later cease to function, leading to wasted production costs and damaged customer trust.
 ==Bitly's response==