Hewlett-Packard (HP) is receiving backlash from consumers after disabling the printers of those using ink cartridges from rival companies. The company recently released a firmware update, remotely applied to customers’ devices, which prevents their printers from working unless fitted with HP-approved ink cartridges.

This move is said to force customers to purchase more expensive options, as HP prohibits the use of any ink cartridges that lack an HP chip. HP justifies this action, citing the need to reduce the risk of malware attacks and ensure hardware performance, print quality, and overall security. However, customers have taken to social media to voice their grievances, stating that HP ink cartridges can cost more than double the price of third-party alternatives.

HP faced similar backlash in 2016 and paid out substantial compensation to customers worldwide. Some third-party cartridges utilizing HP chip or electronic circuitry will function normally, but others will require higher spending on consumables. Customers are left with printers that exclusively support HP-approved ink cartridges, making it challenging for some to disable the cartridge-blocking feature in their printer settings.

A spokesperson for HP clarified that some third-party cartridges utilizing the HP chip or electronic circuitry will function normally. HP acknowledges that certain customers can disable the cartridge-blocking feature in their printer settings, although this capability varies depending on the printer model.

The sources for this piece include an article in Telegraph.