Generating a 2D barcode includes acquiring private information input by a user and sending the private information to a server through a network. The method includes receiving an information access address returned through the network by the server, and generating a 2D barcode including the information access address. The method further includes acquiring a 2D barcode including an information access address and scanning the 2D barcode to obtain the information access address included in the 2D barcode, the information access address being for accessing private information. The method further includes sending the information access address to a server through a network, and receiving the private information returned through the network by the server, and using the private information as a reading result of the 2D barcode.