Security Printing Center Denies Technical Error in Smart License QR Code Amid Viral Video
जेठ १२, २०८३ १४:३३
Kathmandu. A video circulating widely on social media in recent days has sparked confusion and criticism after it appeared to show that scanning the QR code of a Smart Driving License redirects users to a shopping website selling shoes and slippers.
The incident has drawn attention online, with some users questioning the credibility of the smart license system and calling it ineffective. The license, for which applicants reportedly wait years, has been criticized in viral commentary as “meaningless” following the video.
In the circulating clip, an individual is seen holding a driver’s license and suggesting it be scanned to see its contents. When the QR code is scanned using a standard smartphone camera, a numeric string appears. Upon searching that number on Google, results display advertisements and listings for slippers on Amazon, leading to further online ridicule of the system.
However, the Security Printing Center has dismissed concerns of any technical flaw, attributing the incident to a misunderstanding of the system and a lack of digital literacy.
According to Niraj Dahal, Security Design and VDP Manager at the Security Printing Center, the QR codes on smart licenses are functioning as designed and contain no technical errors. He explained that both the front and back QR codes are embedded in an encrypted format.
“Only the Application ID is placed in the public layer of the front QR, while the carrier’s name is included in the back QR. All other personal information, biometric references, and expiry details are stored in the encrypted layer, which cannot be accessed through a normal camera scan,” Dahal said.
He further explained that the slipper-related search results seen in the video are a byproduct of how standard smartphone systems handle unrecognized numeric inputs rather than any fault in the QR code itself.
“A regular camera application can only read the Application ID, which is just a number. When such numbers are searched on Google, the search engine displays any matching content available online,” he said. “This has nothing to do with the quality or functionality of the QR code. It is the expected output when encrypted data is accessed through an unauthorized scanner.”
The Security Printing Center clarified that a separate verification system has been developed in coordination with the Department of Transport Management and central authorities for authentic data access.
According to Dahal, a dedicated offline verification application is currently in use by traffic police, Transport Management Department officials, and authorized personnel. The app decrypts QR data through a local server and displays complete license details along with the holder’s photograph, without requiring internet access or central database connectivity.
He added that a browser-based verification system for public use is also under development. A dedicated domain has already been requested, and once operational, it will allow users to scan QR codes and view limited license information directly through a smartphone browser. “The verification process is structured so that no data is transmitted to the central server during scanning, ensuring maximum security,” he said.
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