HP Urged to Stop Blocking Third-Party Ink Amid EPEAT Violations
HP's Dynamic Security firmware updates that block third-party ink and toner face backlash from International Imaging Technology Council as EPEAT registry prohibits the practice.
Members of the International Imaging Technology Council (Int'l ITC) are calling out HP for issuing firmware updates that brick third-party ink and toner functionality in its printers. HP calls this Dynamic Security and has been doing it for years; however, the Int'l ITC is taking new issue with the practice, considering that it is explicitly prohibited for devices registered under the General Electronics Council's (GEC's) Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) 2.0 registry.
The Int'l ITC is a nonprofit trade group that says it represents North American "toner and inkjet cartridge re-manufacturers, component suppliers, and cartridge collectors."
It's important to note that the Int'l ITC may be considered biased because its members could greatly profit when printer manufacturers commit to supporting aftermarket cartridges in devices.
The EPEAT 2.0 registry, which is used by governments and enterprises to make environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions, has strict requirements around design for repair and reuse. By implementing Dynamic Security firmware updates that block third-party ink and toner, HP may be violating these guidelines and putting its EPEAT certification at risk.
This creates a new incentive for HP to reconsider its stance on third-party consumables. Not only does the practice face backlash from industry groups, but it could also jeopardize the company's access to lucrative government and enterprise contracts that require EPEAT compliance.
The Int'l ITC has called on HP to "immediately cease and desist" from implementing firmware updates that disable third-party ink and toner. They argue that this practice undermines the circular economy and environmental sustainability goals of EPEAT.
As the debate over printer DRM and aftermarket consumables continues, HP may find itself under increasing pressure to re-evaluate its Dynamic Security policies in order to maintain its important EPEAT certification and remain competitive in the public sector market.
Source: Ars Technica
