HP settles the class action lawsuit which claimed its printer updates 'act as malware', avoiding either a big payout or admitting wrongdoing

(Image credit: HP)

If you've been annoyed that your HP printer doesn't work with non-HP ink and toner, a recent class-action lawsuit settlement means you can decline the update forcing the change, but only if you have a few specific models.

With a 'long-term objective to make printing a subscription', HP set in place 'dynamic security' systems that authenticate ink and toner cartridges in your printer. The 'dynamic security' system changed printer compatibility digitally to disallow some printers from working with non-HP ink and toner. This means that some users bought printers without those restrictions, only to find them added in via an update, after purchase.

The catalyst for this lawsuit was a specific firmware update in November 2020 that blocked a whole host of printers which the lawsuit calls 'Class printers'. The lawsuit argues that "HP wrongfully compels users of its printers to buy and use only HP ink and toner supplies by transmitting firmware updates without authorization to HP printers over the Internet that lock out its competitors' ink and toner supply cartridges." It then further makes the claim that HP's updates "act as malware".

Promotional image of the HP Envy Inspire inkjet printer — (Image credit: HP)

As part of the lawsuit settlement, HP has agreed to pay $5,000 to each of the two original class representatives, Mobile Emergency Housing Corp and Performance Automotive & Tire Center. Finally, one more plaintiff named David Justin Lynch was added to the complaint, and will also receive $5,000. HP claims the pay the representatives receive is "to compensate them for the services they performed on behalf of the classes".

The upside to this settlement is that the class printers (which can be found on the HP support page) can all choose to decline the 'dynamic security' update that makes this change, and therefore use third-party ink. Only these printers, and those made before 2016 may decide to opt out of dynamic security measures. If you already have the dynamic security measures on your printer, you can remove it via a firmware update but only if you have printers from a specific list that HP has laid out.

This all means that any printers made after 2016 and not included in the settlement run the risk of having the same security measure put in place to stop them from working with non-HP ink. Many printers on the HP website specifically say 'dynamic security enabled printer', meaning they only work with HP ink and toner.

If you've found cheaper third-party ink, you may want to check if your printer is on the list.

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James is a more recent PC gaming convert, often admiring graphics cards, cases, and motherboards from afar. It was not until 2019, after just finishing a degree in law and media, that they decided to throw out the last few years of education, build their PC, and start writing about gaming instead. In that time, he has covered the latest doodads, contraptions, and gismos, and loved every second of it. Hey, it’s better than writing case briefs.

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