Weekly consumer searches for "QR Code" topic on Google in Italy 2018-2023

Google search behavior on the topic of QR codes in Italy peaked in the autumn of 2021, and interest in the topic remained high since. The peak in interest seems mostly associated with the roll-out of a digital COVID-19 certificate, which was mandatory in order to access Italy's restaurants and other public spaces. Domestic transaction figures for QR payments are difficult to find, making it difficult to separate whether the interest in the QR code topic stems from the coronavirus app or from a genuine interest in QR for, for example, payments. Most figures on the topic come from consumer surveys and focus on the share of respondents who used such a payment method or not. QR codes can be different utilities, but in this context are generally associated with contactless (tap to pay) payments with smartphones or wearable devices.