The Lens: New travel technology like Singapore’s QR codes is great, but keep data privacy in mind

Megan Chan, 16, Island School

It’s fun to travel, but things like immigration can be a hassle. Technological advancements will bring many changes to travel, as seen through Singapore’s advancement towards a digitally-run immigration system.

Countries use technology to influence and aid travel in different ways. For example, although Brazil does not use QR codes for immigration, it has added them to different places and landmarks so visitors can scan them and learn more about the country’s culture and history. Moreover, many places used QR codes during the pandemic to track the virus and ensure everyone’s safety.

Although there are many benefits to using technology in this sector, including convenience and increasing travel rates, there are certain factors and risks to consider as well.

Firstly, is the data being collected safely? How will countries use this data? Moreover, can it be accessed by everyone? How can we make technology more inclusive for people who may not have smartphones or who don’t know how to use QR codes?

Although having a new way to travel sounds exciting, we should ensure the safety and privacy of the people using QR codes at immigration. If not, there will be privacy breaches and other concerns, causing more problems in the future.

Read up on the issue in last week’s edition of The Lens

K-pop singer Huh Yun-jin of girl group Le Sserafim has received criticism on social media for drinking coffee from Starbucks.

Fans are saying she should “educate” herself and boycott the American chain because the company is allegedly pro-Israel amid the Israel-Gaza war.

Fans flooded Huh’s Instagram page with critical comments after a photo of her sipping the coffee was shared online, accusing her of “ignoring the genocide” in Gaza.

“Please educate yourself; this is disappointing,” said one pro-Palestinian supporter.

Some said the episode could haunt her for the rest of her career and encouraged Huh to apologise and take accountability for endorsing the brand.

Huh’s fans called on others to stop streaming Le Sserafim and its albums. “She is a hypocrite; cannot believe I fought for her before,” one user wrote.

Other fans defended Huh, saying targeting her over a coffee was unfair. “She can drink whatever she wants; it shouldn’t matter. You guys can boycott everything you want and also respect the opinion of others,” a commenter said.

Another wrote: “Starbucks in Korea does not even support Israel.” Starbucks Korea is run by a local conglomerate called Shinsegae Group.

Huh is the latest South Korean celebrity to face the ire of fans over endorsing alleged pro-Israel products. Boy band Enhypen’s Jake was forced to apologise after he came under fire for drinking Starbucks during a livestream in January. Last year, K-pop solo artist Jeon Somi was criticised for displaying a cup with a Starbucks logo in her TikTok video.

Responding to the saga, Starbucks said this month that none of its profits were used to fund any country’s government or military.

Staff writer

• Do you believe the backlash against Huh and other stars was fair? Should celebrities be held responsible for their association with brands that are deemed problematic?

• Is boycotting a brand an effective way to protest? Why or why not?