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. | 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}}</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}}</ref> | ||
> HP printers may block third-party cartridges via firmware “dynamic security,” causing systemic disruptions for consumers and prompting legal and media scrutiny. | > 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. 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'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}}</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: | Key verifiable sources include: | ||
* | *TechCrunch 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 | ||