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HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts: Difference between revisions

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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 printers may block third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security,” causing systemic disruptions for consumers and prompting legal and media scrutiny.


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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.
 
==HP: Systemic DRM and Firmware Lockouts==
 
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. This practice is ongoing and verifiably documented in recognized news outlets and consumer advocacy platforms. See, for example, [Gizmodo](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997) and [Slashdot](https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/03/10/1923229/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges).
 
> HP printers may block third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security,” causing systemic disruptions for consumers and prompting legal and media scrutiny. [Read more on Slashdot](https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/25/03/10/1923229/firmware-update-bricks-hp-printers-makes-them-unable-to-use-hp-cartridges)
 
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. 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:
Key verifiable sources include:


*[Electronic Frontier Foundation](https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/09/eff-petitions-hp-remove-drm-printers) calling out HP and petitioning for DRM removal, detailing events from 2016
*[TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/) and [Ars Technica](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/) coverage describing the rollout of the DRM time bomb in 2016 and its effects on third-party cartridges
*[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
*[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
*[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
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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.
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.


<nowiki>== References ==</nowiki>
==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)
1. [Tom's Hardware: EFF Requests HP Remove DRM](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/hp-drm-fiasco-eff-requests,32796.html)
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