Is your printer spying on you?

[qnr]

Is Your Printer Spying On You?

Help EFF Watch the Watchers

Imagine that every time you printed a document, it automatically included a secret code that could be used to identify the printer - and potentially, the person who used it. Sounds like something from an episode of "Alias," right?

Unfortunately, the scenario isn't fictional. In a purported effort to identify counterfeiters, the US government has succeeded in persuading some color laser printer manufacturers to encode each page with identifying information. That means that without your knowledge or consent, an act you assume is private could become public. A communication tool you're using in everyday life could become a tool for government surveillance. And what's worse, there are no laws to prevent abuse.

http://www.eff.org/Privacy/printers/index.php

[MagickMuffin]

1. Thanks for posting

it would seem as though more people would be interested in this story.

I just recently became a donor, therefore I am finally able to respond.

Now that I am aware of this it will make me more conscious of what I print from a laser printer.
:scared:

[qnr]

2. Thanks for responding, and welcome to the group :)

I can't afford a color laser....

[MagickMuffin]

3. Thx for the welcome ;-o

I can't afford a laser printer either, but at least I know now that if I go to Kinko's or any other copy center that I should find out what printers they are using. Now we have the list of printers that are suspect.

I have to spread the word to the masses, so they too will know they could be leaving behind a print trail.

They mentioned in the article that they were using blue LED's, I wonder if those tiny little flashlights would be powerful enough to use? I have one that I use for fun, but now perhaps I have found a better use for them. I'll have to give it a try.