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}}</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 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. | > 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}}</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}}</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'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: | Key verifiable sources include: | ||