HP software now self-destructs in printers Update halts machines if alternative brand-name cartridges installed 09.27.16 iBob Unruh ly.
Outrage is developing in the tech world over the discovery that Hewlett-Packard is installing software in its printers that will prevent the machine from printing if it detects anything but an HP brand cartridge, rejecting even refilled HP cartridges.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Cory Doctorow was among the first to demand a fix.
He cited a Wired report that said HP “has long installed a security chip in its cartridges and printers.”
“If you use knock-off cartridges, you’ve probably seen a warning at some point that it isn’t HP-approved. Annoying, but that’s about all,” Wired said. “Last year, though, HP implemented a firmware update in enterprise printers that, as of last week, locked out any cartridges but its own. As the company says, ‘other cartridges may not function.'”
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Wired said consumers “wouldn’t accept this from other products, but it’s easier for companies to tweak software long after you’ve brought their devices home.”
“You bought your printer, but imposing DRM after the fact reinforces that you never really own it.”
Doctorow fired off a letter Monday to HP to express his opposition.
“Like many others, we are alarmed by reports that HP has activated a dormant feature in Officejet Pro printers (and possibly other models), so that the printers now automatically verify whether its ink cartridges are official HP ink and not competitors’ products or even refilled HP cartridges. If these printers detect third-party ink, printing stops. This activation was disguised as a security update.
“You must be aware that this decision has shocked and angered your customers. Below, I have set out our concerns and the steps HP must take to begin to repair the damage it has done to its reputation and the public’s trust.”
Susan Vander May, a spokeswoman for the company, confirmed its actions to WND: “These printers will continue to work with refilled or remanufactured cartridges with an original HP security chip. Other cartridges may not function. In many cases this functionality was installed in the HP printer and in some cases it has been implemented as part of an update to the printer’s firmware.”
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