Printer tracking dots - Revision history

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T07:13:12Z

Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

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	Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms.<ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>		Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260206100209/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots Archived])</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms.<ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260219201248/https://www.eff.org/issues/printers Archived])</ref>

	Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref> These dots encode:		Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref> These dots encode:

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Added to category.

2025-09-01T11:42:31Z

Added to category.

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	[https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/ Guide to decode printer dot patterns]		[https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/ Guide to decode printer dot patterns]
			[[Category:Printers]]

Shingo at 17:52, 6 February 2025

2025-02-06T17:52:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:52, 6 February 2025
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	Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms. <ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>		Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms.<ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>

	Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref>. These dots encode:		Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref> These dots encode:

	*The printer’s serial number		*The printer’s serial number
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	==Consumer impact summary==		==Consumer impact summary==

	=== Transparency===		===Transparency===
	One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.		One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.

	=== Privacy ===		===Privacy===
	These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.		These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.

	== Potential for abuse ==		==Potential for abuse==

	Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.		Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.

	It is worth noting that there is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.		It is worth noting that there is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.

Kostas: move section to summary

2025-01-30T10:51:17Z

move section to summary

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 Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms. <ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>
 ==Consumer impact summary==
@@ Line 14: / Line 20: @@
 It is worth noting that there is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.
 =References=

Kostas: Formatting adjustment

2025-01-30T10:50:21Z

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	Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms. <ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>		Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms. <ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>

	==~~=Relation to anti-consumer practices=~~==		==Consumer impact summary==

	===~~=1. Lack of~~ Transparency====		=== Transparency===
	One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.		One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.

	===~~=2.~~ Privacy ~~Violation=~~===		=== Privacy ===
	These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.		These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.

	==~~==3.~~ Potential for ~~Abuse==~~==		== Potential for abuse ==

	Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.		Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.
			It is worth noting that there is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.
	~~====4. Unregulated and Unaccountable Implementation====~~
	~~There~~ is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.

	===How Tracking Dots Work<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref>===		===How Tracking Dots Work<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref>===

Kostas: Kostas moved page Your printer snitch on you to Printer tracking dots: Change tone of title

2025-01-30T10:47:21Z

Kostas moved page Your printer snitch on you to Printer tracking dots: Change tone of title

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:47, 30 January 2025
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HeavenPiercerYama: added citation

2025-01-30T10:38:51Z

added citation

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:38, 30 January 2025
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	There is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.		There is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.

	===How Tracking Dots Work===		===How Tracking Dots Work<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/</ref>===
	Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page. These dots encode:		Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page. These dots encode:

HeavenPiercerYama: Formatting

2025-01-30T10:21:02Z

Formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:21, 30 January 2025
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	Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print. While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms.		Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots</ref> While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms. <ref>https://www.eff.org/issues/printers</ref>

	=== ~~Why Tracking Dots Are Unacceptable~~ ===		===Relation to anti-consumer practices===

	==== 1. Lack of Transparency ====		====1. Lack of Transparency====
	One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.		One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.

	==== 2. Privacy Violation ====		====2. Privacy Violation====
	These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.		These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.

	==== 3. Potential for Abuse ====		====3. Potential for Abuse====
	Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.		Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.

	==== 4. Unregulated and Unaccountable Implementation ====		====4. Unregulated and Unaccountable Implementation====
	There is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.		There is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.

	=== How Tracking Dots Work ===		===How Tracking Dots Work===
	Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page. These dots encode:		Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page. These dots encode:

	* The printer’s serial number		*The printer’s serial number
	* The exact time and date of printing		*The exact time and date of printing
	* Possibly other identifying information		*Possibly other identifying information

			=References=

	~~https:~~/~~/www.eff.org/pages/list-printers-which-do-or-do-not-display-tracking-dots~~		<references />

	~~https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/~~		=See Also=

	https://en.~~wikipedia~~.org/~~wiki~~/~~Printer_tracking_dots~~		[https://www.eff.org/pages/list-printers-which-do-or-do-not-display-tracking-dots Page specifying which printers partake in this practice]

	https://~~www~~.~~eff~~.org/~~issues/printers~~		[https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/ Guide to decode printer dot patterns]

	~~http://dasalte.ccc.de~~/~~colorcopy~~/

	https://~~web~~.~~archive~~.org/~~web~~/~~20170313130611/http://dasalte.ccc.de~~/~~colorcopy~~/

Salsa-statutory-volumes-unison-greedless-unwary: initial submition

2025-01-30T08:08:14Z

initial submition

New page

Tracking dots, also known as printer steganography or machine identification codes (MICs), are an often-overlooked yet serious privacy concern. These tiny, nearly invisible markings are added by many color laser printers to every page they print. While originally intended as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they have significant implications for privacy, surveillance, and personal freedoms.

=== Why Tracking Dots Are Unacceptable ===

==== 1. Lack of Transparency ====
One of the most alarming aspects of tracking dots is that they are implemented without the knowledge or consent of users. Manufacturers do not clearly disclose this functionality, leaving individuals unaware that their printed documents contain hidden identifying information.

==== 2. Privacy Violation ====
These dots encode details such as the printer’s serial number and the exact date and time of printing. This means that documents can be traced back to the specific printer—and potentially the individual—who created them. In an era of increasing digital surveillance, this constitutes a severe breach of privacy.

==== 3. Potential for Abuse ====
Although originally intended to help law enforcement track counterfeiters, these dots can be exploited for less noble purposes. Authoritarian regimes, corporations, or malicious actors could use them to identify whistleblowers, activists, journalists, or dissidents. Such a system creates risks for those who rely on anonymity for safety.

==== 4. Unregulated and Unaccountable Implementation ====
There is no public oversight or legal requirement for manufacturers to implement tracking dots, yet they are present in many common printer models. The lack of regulation means users have no recourse to disable this feature.

=== How Tracking Dots Work ===
Tracking dots are typically arranged in a barely visible yellow pattern on each printed page. These dots encode:

* The printer’s serial number
* The exact time and date of printing
* Possibly other identifying information

https://www.eff.org/pages/list-printers-which-do-or-do-not-display-tracking-dots

https://web.archive.org/web/20180305181029/https://w2.eff.org/Privacy/printers/docucolor/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Printer_tracking_dots

https://www.eff.org/issues/printers

http://dasalte.ccc.de/colorcopy/

https://web.archive.org/web/20170313130611/http://dasalte.ccc.de/colorcopy/