HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts: Difference between revisions
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== HP | {{IncidentCargo | ||
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|Type=DRM, Firmware Lockout, Ownership | |||
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HP is widely recognized for applying digital rights management (DRM) measures to its consumer inkjet and laser printers, systematically blocking the use of third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security” updates. These updates have repeatedly disabled printers for users attempting to use non-HP branded consumables, and in some cases, even affected official HP cartridges after updates. Numerous class-action lawsuits have been filed against HP in multiple countries, and firmware updates continue to prompt large-scale consumer complaints, with users reporting unexpected cartridge rejections and device lockouts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HP Printers Are Doing the DRM Thing Again |url=https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997 |website=Gizmodo |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250723172732/https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997 |archive-date=23 Jul 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Firmware update bricks hp printers |url=https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/03/10/1923229/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges |website=Slashdot |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250905064638/https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/03/10/1923229/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges |archive-date=5 Sep 2025}}</ref> | |||
HP | > HP printers may block third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security,” causing systemic disruptions for consumers and prompting legal and media scrutiny. | ||
HP's implementation of DRM restricting third-party ink cartridge use started in 2016. In that year, HP pushed a controversial firmware update that introduced "dynamic security" measures designed to block non-HP cartridges, causing widespread printer lockouts and cartridge rejections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-27 |title=The EFF calls on HP to remove DRM from its printers |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/ |website=TechCrunch |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250906212015/https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/ |archive-date=6 Sep 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=HP’s DRM sabotages off-brant printer ink cartridges with self-destruct date |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/ |website=Ars Technica |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260210212454/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/ |archive-date=10 Feb 2026}}</ref> This update was initially rolled out quietly and activated later, sparking public outcry, campaigns by the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), and media coverage describing it as a DRM "time bomb." HP responded with optional firmware to disable these restrictions but continued to use DRM measures going forward. | |||
Key verifiable sources include: | |||
*[Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997) and [Techdirt](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/09/20/hp-launched-delayed-drm-time-bomb-to-disable-competing-printer-cartridges/) articles tracing the DRM start and ensuing backlash beginning in 2016 | |||
*[Wired](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/hp-printer-drm/) reporting on HP's promise to release an optional firmware update to remove DRM in late 2016 | |||
In summary, HP began systematically locking printers to OEM cartridges with DRM firmware updates starting in 2016, a practice that continues to evolve but originated in that year. | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:HP]] | |||
1. [Tom's Hardware: EFF Requests HP Remove DRM](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/hp-drm-fiasco-eff-requests,32796.html) | |||
2. [Cartridge World: How to Bypass HP Printer Cartridge Error](https://cartridgeworldusa.com/blog/how-to-bypass-hp-printer-cartridge-error) | |||
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3. [TechCrunch: The EFF Calls on HP to Remove DRM from Its Printers](https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/) | |||
- | 4. [Techdirt: HP Issues Flimsy Mea Culpa for Printer Cartridge DRM Idiocy](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/10/04/hp-issues-flimsy-mea-culpa-recent-printer-cartridge-drm-idiocy-not-enough/) | ||
5. [Wired: HP Printer DRM](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/hp-printer-drm/) | |||
6. [Ars Technica: HP's DRM Sabotages Off-Brand Printer Ink Cartridges](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/) | |||
7. [BetaNews: HP Printer Cartridge DRM](https://betanews.com/2016/09/28/hp-printer-cartridge-drm/) | |||
8. [Techdirt: HP Launched Delayed DRM Time Bomb to Disable Competing Printer Cartridges](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/09/20/hp-launched-delayed-drm-time-bomb-to-disable-competing-printer-cartridges/) | |||
9. [Reddit: The Worst Timeline - A Printer Company Is Putting](https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/stkhb7/the_worst_timeline_a_printer_company_is_putting/) | |||
10. [Gizmodo: HP Printers Update Block Third-Party Ink](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997) | |||
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