Brother accused of locking down third-party printer ink cartridges

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Reports of Third‑Party Ink/Toner Lockouts

  • Multiple users report previously working Brother inkjet and color laser models suddenly rejecting refilled or third‑party cartridges, often after firmware updates.
  • Symptoms include “empty” readings despite visible ink, refusal to recognize compatible toner, or degraded output (e.g., black lines) coinciding with “untrusted ink” warnings.
  • Some users bypass this by swapping DRM chips from OEM cartridges, using key sequences to reset counters, or downgrading firmware via community tools.

Skepticism and Unclear Causality

  • Others note that public evidence is sparse and concentrated in a few online reports; they question whether this is systemic vs. isolated sensor/quality issues.
  • Some Brother owners continue to use aftermarket toner successfully, even on updated firmware.
  • A linked statement from Brother (via Ars Technica) explicitly denies using firmware to block third‑party ink; a popular critic has updated messaging and is seeking clarifications.
  • Net: whether there is intentional, broad “quality sabotage” or just flaky hardware/firmware remains unclear.

Defensive Tactics: Keeping Printers Under Control

  • Many participants now:
    • Block printers from the internet entirely or place them on “trash”/guest VLANs with no default gateway.
    • Avoid vendor drivers and use generic/open-source drivers (CUPS, AirPrint) to minimize firmware update channels.
    • Refuse firmware updates (“if it works, don’t update”) and, where possible, roll back to older versions.

Market Dynamics and “Enshittification”

  • Thread consensus: printer profits come from consumables, not hardware, driving DRM, subscriptions (“Ink as a Service”), chip‑locked cartridges, and even DRMed label tapes.
  • Brother had a strong reputation among tech users specifically for tolerating generics; many see this episode as them “becoming HP.”
  • Some note similar behavior from other vendors and argue you now must evaluate models individually, not brands.

Open‑Source / Alternative Paths

  • Strong desire for open firmware and open cartridge specs, but commenters highlight obstacles: complex paper handling, proprietary print engines, patents, and razor‑thin margins.
  • 3D printers are cited as hackable/open by contrast; 2D printers are seen as locked‑down “spyware machines.”
  • Suggestions range from DIY or Pantum‑type budget lasers, to tank‑based inkjets, to simply abandoning home printers in favor of libraries or print shops when possible.