Printer manufacturers that don't collect personal data?
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Printer manufacturers that don't collect personal data?
I own two printers, one HP and one Samsung (now owned by HP). Having looked at the agreements that are being forced on users, after the implementation of the EU General Data Protection Regulation, the agreements do not appear to comply with the GDPR. As I am unwilling to agree to negate my rights under the GDPR, I am looking for a new printer.
Is anyone aware of a printer manufacturer that doesn't collect personal data?
I don't know if there's any manufacture that doesn't collect data but some printers has a setting to turn that of, my HP had it.
Often it's used to be able to send an email to the printer or a cloud service and to look for updates but i always disallow the printer to access the internet in my router.
The email is an hp email so they can then see everything that's sent to that email.
It's not ideal but at least it can't do anything on WAN.
I can't answer your question but I am curious how personal data is being collected. Would be nice if you shared how that is being done.
The EULAs claim that all usage data, IP address etc. will be anonymized, however both Samsung, Lenovo, HP and a number of other companies have been caught with key loggers and other spyware installed on phones and computers. Would I trust such a company to anonymize my data? No. Also, my understanding of the GDPR is that there should be a clear opt out of data collection, which does not exist in the EULA. Likewise any data collection is required by the GDPR to stay within the EU, and Samsung's EULA, for example clearly states "The data transmitted to Samsung shall be used in an anonymous and/or aggregate form and may be transferred to a Samsung entity located overseas."
I guess I don't understand. I have an old HP LaserJet 4200. To my knowledge nothing on that printer has ever tried to phone home. Are you saying that newer printers now do this?
I guess I don't understand. I have an old HP LaserJet 4200. To my knowledge nothing on that printer has ever tried to phone home. Are you saying that newer printers now do this?
I would suspect that network connected printers could very well have the capability. I only have old usb printers.
I guess I don't understand. I have an old HP LaserJet 4200. To my knowledge nothing on that printer has ever tried to phone home. Are you saying that newer printers now do this?
HPs instant ink program uses personal data to automatically purchase and ship printer ink if you sign up for the program. ePrinting would use your email address.
Many of HPs printer drivers are no longer open source but I am sure if anything was embedded it would of been found by now. I think you are fairly safe with printers.
HPs instant ink program uses personal data to automatically purchase and ship printer ink if you sign up for the program. ePrinting would use your email address.
Many of HPs printer drivers are no longer open source but I am sure if anything was embedded it would of been found by now. I think you are fairly safe with printers.
HP has among other things, been registering if you use original or third party printer cartridges. They went so far as to block service to users with third party cartridges, but at least in the EU, this was determined to be illegal and there has been a payback scheme to compensate users.
There has also been talk about that "user data" included things like abbreviated copies of what has been printed out being "phoned home" to prevent copyright infringement and terrorism. Whether this is or was a common practice is uncertain. At this point, my main concern is that any new printer I buy complies with the EU's GDPR and allows me to opt out of data collection.
As has been pointed out, you have control of outgoing traffic.
I have never seen the need to check for updates after the initial install. As for it ordering for me - yeah, right.
The bigger issue is the current push to allow "side-channels" in the mobile spectra to allow IoT unfettered access - without you being able to influence things.
Skynet ... where have I heard that name ???.
As has been pointed out, you have control of outgoing traffic.
I have never seen the need to check for updates after the initial install. As for it ordering for me - yeah, right.
The bigger issue is the current push to allow "side-channels" in the mobile spectra to allow IoT unfettered access - without you being able to influence things.
Skynet ... where have I heard that name ???.
I think you are partially missing the point. Making sure that the printer doesn't "phone home" in any manner is of course primary, if possible. Can we be sure? Only if disconnected from the network, which of course makes a wireless printer about as useful as a pile of bricks. Secondary however, is that to use a printer (printer driver, firmware and any other software that affects direct use of the printer), the user is forced to agree to a EULA that allows data collection, transfer of data, etc. and is so broad in formulation, the door is left open to allow printer driver, firmware etc. technical changes in the future that facilitate data collection and data transfer, that violate the current GDPR.
Distribution: Slackware64-current with "True Multilib" and KDE4Town.
Posts: 9,105
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Quote:
Originally Posted by globetrotterdk
HP has among other things, been registering if you use original or third party printer cartridges. They went so far as to block service to users with third party cartridges, but at least in the EU, this was determined to be illegal.....
In the U.S. they tried, and did for a while, block the sale of 3rd party cartridges, but, and I don't remember the specific case, the courts ruled against HP.
Short sighted corporate greed is one of the bigger problems in the U.S., IMHO. The U.S. is a huge market for just about any product, but that size also makes it difficult for most U.S. citizens to know just how badly they are being gouged on many products and services as compared to other countries. Just drive across the border to Canada and price pharmaceuticals.
Last edited by cwizardone; 06-08-2018 at 08:13 AM.
Reason: Typo.
In the U.S. they tried, and did for a while, block the sale of 3rd party cartridges, but, and I don't remember the specific case, the courts ruled against HP.
What was banned was explicit prohibition of third-party cartridges by the firmware. A lot of HP users and ex-users (including me) suspect that the thing just went underground, emerging in a form where it can't be proved any more. The printers now say nothing when you first put in the cartridge, but after you've used it a few times, the printer stops working and displays a message "Problem with cartridge". Those who call the HP help line are told, "Well, what can you expect? If it's not an original HP cartridge, it's probably faulty."
Officially, the firmware isn't barring third party cartridges, because that's been declared illegal. But actually...
It's quite amusing to google this problem. You'll read plenty of anguished stories. And plenty of solemn vows never to use an HP printer again.
Distribution: Slackware64-current with "True Multilib" and KDE4Town.
Posts: 9,105
Rep:
Quote:
Originally Posted by hazel
What was banned was explicit prohibition of third-party cartridges by the firmware. A lot of HP users and ex-users (including me) suspect that the thing just went underground, emerging in a form where it can't be proved any more. The printers now say nothing when you first put in the cartridge, but after you've used it a few times, the printer stops working and displays a message "Problem with cartridge". Those who call the HP help line are told, "Well, what can you expect? If it's not an original HP cartridge, it's probably faulty."
Officially, the firmware isn't barring third party cartridges, because that's been declared illegal. But actually....
I'm not at all surprised!
Over the years I've used various 3rd party cartridges, but the results were
rarely good. I've done direct comparisons and while the cartridges worked correctly, mechanically, the colors would be off, etc.
I did find one brand I liked and then they disappeared off the market.
Then a major nationwide retail chain started offering refills of the original HP cartridges. That was a disaster. I don't think the machinery was the problem, but their employees were no more qualified to do the work than myself. Blue look more like green, etc., etc. etc. About that time HP was busy purposely killing off the third party cartridge manufacturers and third party refills and cartridges disappeared off the shelves everywhere including the major office supply chains.
So, I bit the bullet, so to speak and found an outlet that discounts, a little bit, and buy the HP cartridges.
BTW, I've heard HP won't even let retailers discount, but that seems to have stopped as I've seen them on sale recently.
After re-reading this, it occurred to me that, most likely,
all the cartridges were originally made by HP.
Last edited by cwizardone; 06-08-2018 at 09:24 PM.
Reason: Typo.
I have an HP Inkjet (USB/Wireless) that was given to me about two years ago. Still in the box. I might now install the beast just to see what is happening. Probably won't function correctly because the ink cartridges likely all are dry. But I'll test with the computer's network cable disconnected (WiFi on the router is PSK protected).
Too bad idiots run companies into the ground like this. At one time the name HP was untouchable because of printer quality.
Distribution: Slackware64-current with "True Multilib" and KDE4Town.
Posts: 9,105
Rep:
Quote:
Originally Posted by upnort
As Mr. Spock would say, "Fascinating."
I have an HP Inkjet (USB/Wireless) that was given to me about two years ago. Still in the box. I might now install the beast just to see what is happening. Probably won't function correctly because the ink cartridges likely all are dry. But I'll test with the computer's network cable disconnected (WiFi on the router is PSK protected).
Too bad idiots run companies into the ground like this. At one time the name HP was untouchable because of printer quality.
If the cartridge are still sealed in foil packages, you have a chance. If not, they will have dried out by now.
HP was a quality name for many, many years, but the last two CEOs have been a disaster. I don't know what is being taught in the business schools these days, but it certainly isn't commonsense.
The founders, Hewlett and Packard, must be rolling in their graves.
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