This document must be reviewed by a lawyer before publication. Items in brackets must be completed.
People who scan a QR code cannot see where it leads before opening it. This policy protects them, other users and the reputation of QRTada codes. It forms part of the terms of use.
1. Prohibited content and uses
You may not use QRTada, directly or through a destination, hosted page or file, for:
- Phishing and impersonation: imitating a bank, government agency, carrier, payment service or any organization to obtain credentials, data or payment (including QR code phishing, known as "quishing").
- Malware: distributing or redirecting to viruses, ransomware, spyware, trojanized apps or unsolicited downloads.
- Scams: fake contests, fake job offers, fake investments, deceptive fundraising, fake reviews, misleading commercial practices.
- Illegal content: child sexual abuse material, terrorist content, incitement to hatred or violence, harassment, invasion of privacy, sale of illegal goods or services.
- Adult content not labeled as such or accessible to minors.
- Infringement: trademark counterfeiting, copyright infringement, use of a domain name or identity without authorization.
- Evasion: chains of URL shorteners meant to hide the final destination, changing a destination after review to evade moderation, creating multiple accounts to get around the trial or plan limits.
- Attacks on the Service: deliberate overload, unauthorized load testing, automated scraping, attempted unauthorized access, spam.
2. Preventive checks
We check destination reputation when a code is created and on every edit, then regularly for recently scanned codes, using reputation lists and an internal list. A destination identified as dangerous may be refused or lead to a block. Hourly creation limits apply depending on the plan.
3. Reporting a QR code or content
Anyone can report a code or page:
- with the "Report this QR code" link on interstitial pages, error pages and hosted pages;
- or by email to [TO COMPLETE: abuse email].
To be handled efficiently, a report should include: the address of the code or page, an explanation of why the content is illegal or prohibited, and if possible an email address to be informed of the outcome. An acknowledgment is sent when an address is provided. Repeated abusive reports may be ignored.
4. Review and decision
Reports are reviewed by a person, within a target of 24 business hours. Depending on severity, we may:
- take no action if the content complies;
- ask the user to change the destination or content;
- block the code: it no longer redirects and shows a security warning page;
- remove a file or hosted page;
- suspend or close the account for serious or repeated breaches;
- inform the competent authorities where required by law.
When there is a clear danger to people who scan (phishing, malware), the block is immediate.
5. Notice and appeal
The affected user is informed by email of any restriction, with a clear statement of reasons: the content concerned, the legal or policy ground, the measure taken, how it was detected (report or automated check) and available redress. The reporter is informed of the decision if they left an email address.
You may appeal a decision from your account or by email to [TO COMPLETE: abuse email] within 6 months. The appeal is reviewed by a person who, where possible, did not make the original decision, and a reasoned answer is provided. If the appeal is upheld, the code is restored without delay. You may also bring the matter before the competent court.
6. Lifetime guarantee and blocking
The lifetime guarantee for paid codes does not apply to a code blocked for a reason set out in this policy. A code restored after an appeal is covered by the guarantee again.
7. Authorities
Authorities can contact QRTada at the point of contact listed in the legal notice, in French or English.