HP is facing backlash from customers once again for blocking the use of third-party ink in some of its printers. The move comes after a recent firmware update that expands HP’s “dynamic security” policy, which aims to protect the quality of HP’s printing systems and intellectual property. The policy prohibits the use of ink or toner cartridges that do not contain new or reused HP chips.

Numerous reports on social media platforms and the HP community forum suggest that some printers are now blocking the use of non-HP ink altogether, rather than simply displaying a bypassable warning message. The move has sparked outrage among HP printer users, who accuse the company of trying to lock them into its ecosystem and limit their options for affordable ink.

HP dynamic security message

This is not the first time that HP has faced criticism over its dynamic security policy. In 2020, the company reached a $1.5 million settlement with US customers in a class-action lawsuit that claimed HP’s firmware acted as “malware” by diminishing the capabilities of HP printers and rendering third-party cartridges incompatible. HP also paid out millions to customers in the European Union and Australia affected by dynamic security.

While HP issued an optional update in 2016 that removes dynamic security, the change only applies to a set of specific models, some of which were required to be made before December 1st, 2016. It remains unclear which printers currently have dynamic security installed, but several models, including the OfficeJet Pro 6970, OfficeJet Pro 6968, OfficeJet 6950, and OfficeJet 7740, are reportedly affected.

The move is seen as a desperate attempt to maintain revenue in the face of declining net printing revenue, and it could prompt some users to switch to other printer brands that offer more flexibility in ink options.

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(Source, Via1, Via2)

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