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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

  1. "HP Printers Are Doing the DRM Thing Again". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 23 Jul 2025.
  2. "Firmware update bricks hp printers". Slashdot. Archived from the original on 5 Sep 2025.
  3. "How to Bypass HP Printer Cartridge Error". CartridgeWorld. 8 Mar 2024. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025.
  4. 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.
  5. "HP's DRM sabotages off-brant printer ink cartridges with self-destruct date". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 10 Feb 2026.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.