HP has generated a massive backlash from the community following the latest software update for the printers, according to Ars Technica.
Some users are complaining that they could no longer use third-party ink cartridges on their HP printers after the company released "dynamic security."
HP's Dynamic Security Annoys Printer Users Once Again
The dynamic security measures are designed to block third-party cartridges, according to the company. This only means that you won't be able to print on your HP printer if the ink cartridge has no HP-equipped chip.
According to a report by Techspot, HP has brought this feature to improve their customer service and safeguard its IP from unwanted lurkers who want to use it.
It should be noted that the HP users have already encountered this issue in 2016. After the outrage from the community, the company immediately apologized and promised to remove the feature. Unfortunately, the DRM made a comeback just a year later after the incident.
Why do HP users hate DRM?
It's understandable why HP resorted to this decision. Because third-party ink cartridges are almost everywhere and they are cheaper, people tend to ditch HP's products in favor of them.
Since the issue surfaced, the company says that it will always aim to maintain the integrity of its printing systems for the customers.
This decision, of course, has a huge impact for users who want to save money in buying ink cartridges. Since the firmware update will only limit them to use HP-owned inks, they will be forced to buy expensive ink cartridges for their HP printers.
At the moment, HP has not yet released the list of the affected printer models by DRM in the future, per PCMag.
To avoid this happening, some users ignore installing the newest software updates for their HP printers so they could use unofficial ink cartridges from other manufacturers.
"Updates can improve, enhance, or extend the printer's functionality and features, protect against security threats, and serve other purposes, but these updates can also block cartridges using a non-HP chip or modified or non-HP circuitry from working in the printer, including cartridges that work today," HP said, pertaining to DRM.
HP Leaves Many Questions to Users
At this point, it's strange to think why HP re-implements this change although it already cost millions in lawsuits due to complaints from many users.
The uprising against this problem that HP is causing even baffles HP employees as to why the company allows the dynamic security to emerge from the drain.
The HP's community support is still seeking answers regarding this conundrum. Unless HP gives a clear explanation why this is happening, many users won't remain shut about this issue on their printers.
