Really, HP????

[terrie]

I was researching an HP Officejet 6970 query in the dslreport's PC Hardware forum and decided to take a look at the 6970's User Guide stumbling across the following--HP6970 User Guide, page 89, emphasis mine:

"The HP cartridges used with this printer contain a memory chip that assists in the operation of the printer. In addition, this memory chip stores a limited set of anonymous information about the usage of the printer, which might include the following: the number of pages printed using the cartridge, the page coverage, frequency of printing, and the printing modes used.

This information helps HP design future printers to meet our customers' printing needs. The data collected from the cartridge memory chip does not contain information that can be used to identify a customer or user of the cartridge or their printer.

HP collects a sampling of the memory chips from cartridges returned to HP's free return and recycling program (HP Planet Partners: hp.com/recycle ). The memory chips from this sampling are read and studied in order to improve future HP printers. HP partners who assist in recycling this cartridge might have access to this data, as well.

Any third party possessing the cartridge might have access to the anonymous information on the memory chip. If you prefer to not allow access to this information, you can render the chip inoperable. However, after you render the memory chip inoperable, the cartridge cannot be used in an HP printer.

If you are concerned about providing this anonymous information, you can make this information inaccessible by turning off the memory chip's ability to collect the printer's usage information."



The above charming bit of info is followed by instructions on how to disable the euphemistically named "usage information function".



All I can say--other than I'm so glad I moved away from HP printers (used/owned for many years HP IIP, HP6MP and HP2200D) to Brother--is:


EWWWWW!!!!



I don't know how many of HP's printers are part of this "program" and I don't know if perhaps it's just their inkjet printers and not their laserjets but, it might be a good idea to check the User Guide of any (relatively recent) HP printers one owns to see if it might be infected with this "usage information function" ink/toner cartridges...



Terrie