HP systemic DRM and firmware lockouts
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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.[1][2][3]
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.[4][5] 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."[4][6][7][8] HP responded with optional firmware to disable these restrictions but continued to use DRM measures going forward.[9][10]
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.[11]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "HP Printers Are Doing the DRM Thing Again". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 23 Jul 2025.
- ↑ "Firmware update bricks hp printers". Slashdot. Archived from the original on 5 Sep 2025.
- ↑ "How to Bypass HP Printer Cartridge Error". CartridgeWorld. 8 Mar 2024. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "The EFF calls on HP to remove DRM from its printers". TechCrunch. 2016-09-27. Archived from the original on 6 Sep 2025.
- ↑ "HP's DRM sabotages off-brant printer ink cartridges with self-destruct date". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 10 Feb 2026.
- ↑ Wyciślik-Wilson, Sofia Elizabella (28 Sep 2016). "EFF slams HP's printer DRM that forces the use of official ink cartridges". betanews. Archived from the original on 5 Apr 2026.
- ↑ Armasu, Lucian (3 Oct 2016). "Following Printer DRM Fiasco, HP Needs To Do More To Fix Reputation, Says EFF". Tom'sHardware. Archived from the original on 18 Jan 2025.
- ↑ Bode, Karl (20 Sep 2016). "HP Launched Delayed DRM Time Bomb To Disable Competing Printer Cartridges". Techdirt. Archived from the original on 4 Sep 2025.
- ↑ Barrett, Brian (23 Sep 2016). "HP Has Added DRM to Its Ink Cartridges. Not Even Kidding (Updated)". Wired. Archived from the original on 2 Apr 2026.
- ↑ Bode, Karl (4 Oct 2016). "HP Issues Flimsy Mea Culpa For Recent Printer Cartridge DRM Idiocy, But It's Not Enough". TechDirt. Archived from the original on 4 Sep 2025.
- ↑ Doctorow, Cory (15 Feb 2022). "The Worst Timeline: A Printer Company Is Putting DRM in Paper Now". EFF. Archived from the original on 2 Mar 2026.