HP: Systemic DRM and Firmware Lockouts

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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, 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 rejection and device lockouts. This practice is ongoing and verifiably documented in recognized news outlets and consumer advocacy platforms. See, for example, Gizmodo and Slashdot.hp printers update block third-party ink

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

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: - Electronic Frontier Foundation calling out HP and petitioning for DRM removal, detailing events from 2016[3] - TechCrunch and Ars Technica coverage describing the rollout of the DRM time bomb in 2016 and its effects on third-party cartridges[6][3] - Gizmodo and Techdirt articles tracing the DRM start and ensuing backlash beginning in 2016[8][10] - Wired reporting on HP's promise to release an optional firmware update to remove DRM in late 2016[5]

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.[10][3][6]

[1](https://www.tomshardware.com/news/hp-drm-fiasco-eff-requests,32796.html) [2](https://cartridgeworldusa.com/blog/how-to-bypass-hp-printer-cartridge-error) [3](https://techcrunch.com/2016/09/27/the-eff-calls-on-hp-to-remove-drm-from-its-printers/) [4](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/10/04/hp-issues-flimsy-mea-culpa-recent-printer-cartridge-drm-idiocy-not-enough/) [5](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/hp-printer-drm/) [6](https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/hps-drm-sabotages-off-brand-printer-ink-cartridges-with-self-destruct-date/) [7](https://betanews.com/2016/09/28/hp-printer-cartridge-drm/) [8](https://www.techdirt.com/2016/09/20/hp-launched-delayed-drm-time-bomb-to-disable-competing-printer-cartridges/) [9](https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/stkhb7/the_worst_timeline_a_printer_company_is_putting/) [10](https://gizmodo.com/hp-printers-drm-update-block-third-party-ink-1850211997)