Pune: Woman Claims Restaurant Employee Misused Phone Number Taken Through QR Menu

Pune: A woman accused restaurant employee misused her personal information after she visited a popular eatery on FC Road. Victim identified as Rishika Dutta claims that accessed her contact details after she scanned the menu QR code. This incident has created a concern about the customer privacy and the growing use of QR-code menus in restaurants. As per the post shared by her, Rishika visited restaurant on April 28 and scanned a QR code to access menu, later that night she received text from unknown number

Dutta claimed that after verifying the sender's identity, she found he was allegedly employed at the same restaurant. Suspecting her number was accessed through the restaurant's QR menu, she shared screenshots online showing the man's personal inquiries and attempts to befriend her. Dutta contacted the restaurant, demanding action. She stated they informed her the employee was immediately dismissed from all branches, but refused to provide written proof or a formal apology. The restaurant issued a public apology on social media, stating "immediate action" was taken, emphasizing customer safety and privacy, and promising to improve internal processes.

Following the incident social media users are raising privacy and safety concerns regarding the increasing use of QR-code menus in restaurants. One user questioned the necessity of sharing phone numbers, often linked to Aadhaar, in the name of digitization, highlighting privacy considerations. Another user avoids restaurants without paper menus, deeming the digital push unnecessary and intrusive. A third user recounted a past harassment incident at a Navi Mumbai restaurant, leading her to avoid the establishment and highlighting broader safety concerns for women.