Computer and printer maker HP is the subject of a criminal complaint in France for “planned obsolescence“. It was presented on Monday in Paris by the association Stop planned obsolescence (HOP), AFP learned from the complainant on Tuesday. HOP accuses HP of implementing several “opaque” strategies to reduce cartridge life.
The complaint was filed for “planned obsolescence of products by software” and “preventing the remanufacturing and restoration of functionality of HP ink cartridges refilled or refurbished outside of its authorized circuits”.
First, according to the association, the manufacturer would remotely block, using a chip and software, cartridges that are not of the HP brand, but also HP cartridges refilled by competitors, without informing them “clearly” and sometimes without realizing it unusable printers and scanners.
So, HP would make “entire batches of cartridges obsolete under the guise of update ”, which “would suggest a considerable waste of resources and money”. the company will reduce over the years “the quantity of ink in its cartridges by increasing prices, reaching up to 7,500 euros per liter”.
“Dishonest for consumers”
“HP is committed to using cartridges only once. It is dishonest for consumers and harmful to the environment,” Flavie Vonderscher, advocacy manager at HOP, told AFP. “HP takes the cartridges straight to the trash,” he complains. “Customers are held captive to ensure the company’s profit, but not all business practices are legal.”
Further building on decisions sanctioning HP abroad (Italy, United States), HOP hopes for a preliminary investigation to put an end to such practices, and has published online a petition. Following HOP’s complaints, two preliminary investigations are underway in France. One in Nanterre from 2017, which targets the Japanese manufacturer Epson for planned obsolescence and deception, suspected of having blocked “printing under the pretext that the ink cartridges are empty while there is still residual ink”.
The other in Paris from 2023 for deceptive commercial practices and planned obsolescence against the American smartphone giant Apple, accused of “limiting repairs to unauthorized repairers or degrading a smartphone repaired with parts generic remotely.” In February 2020, Apple agreed to pay a €25 million fine in France as part of a plea deal to end prosecutions for deceptive trade practices.
What are the environmental impacts of planned obsolescence in the tech industry?
Time.news Interview: The Dark Side of Technology – A Conversation on Planned Obsolescence
Host: Welcome to Time.news! Today we’re diving into a pressing issue within the tech industry: planned obsolescence. Joining me is Dr. Elise Dupont, an expert on consumer rights and environmental sustainability. Dr. Dupont, thank you for being here!
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Host: Recently, HP faced a criminal complaint in France for alleged planned obsolescence practices, particularly regarding their printers and ink cartridges. Can you explain what planned obsolescence means, especially in this context?
Dr. Dupont: Absolutely. Planned obsolescence is a strategy where companies design products to have a limited lifespan or usability, compelling consumers to purchase new items sooner than they should need to. In HP’s case, the accusations revolve around the manipulation of software and hardware that affects the functionality of its ink cartridges. Essentially, they’re using technology to make cartridges unusable after a certain point, sometimes even blocking those that are refurbished or refilled by third parties.
Host: The association “Stop Planned Obsolescence” (HOP) has made some serious allegations about HP’s practices. Can you elaborate on the claims regarding the remote blocking of cartridges?
Dr. Dupont: Yes, they claim that HP utilizes a chip and software that can remotely disable cartridges that are not brand-specific or have been refilled by other companies. This is particularly problematic because consumers are often unaware that this functionality exists. In some cases, it can even render entire printers and scanners unusable if the company decides to block these third-party or refilled cartridges.
Host: That definitely raises some eyebrows! HOP also suggests that HP is releasing updates that make entire batches of cartridges obsolete. How does that contribute to waste?
Dr. Dupont: It’s quite alarming, really. By pushing out updates that disable previously functional cartridges, HP may be contributing to substantial resource waste. This not only frustrates consumers—who expect their devices to work as advertised—but also has significant environmental implications. The materials used to produce cartridges end up in landfills rather than being reused or recycled, which contradicts sustainability efforts.
Host: In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, why do you think companies continue to adopt these practices?
Dr. Dupont: Often, it boils down to profit. Companies like HP reduce the quantity of ink in their cartridges while simultaneously raising prices, which can lead to immense profit margins. If consumers are compelled to buy more frequently due to artificially shortened product lifecycles, companies stand to benefit financially, even at the expense of consumer loyalty or ethical responsibility.
Host: That’s a compelling argument. How do you think consumers should respond to such practices?
Dr. Dupont: Awareness is key. Consumers need to be informed about the practices of the companies they buy from. By choosing brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency, or by supporting communities that advocate for consumer rights, they can make a substantial impact. Additionally, pushing for legislative changes that hold companies accountable for planned obsolescence is crucial if we want to drive meaningful change.
Host: Powerful insights, Dr. Dupont. Do you think this complaint against HP may lead to broader industry changes?
Dr. Dupont: It certainly has the potential to set a precedent. Greater scrutiny from regulatory bodies and increased public awareness may force companies to rethink their strategies. If consumers rally behind this cause, we could witness a significant shift toward more sustainable and ethical practices across the tech industry.
Host: Thank you for your valuable insights today, Dr. Dupont. This is an ongoing issue, and we look forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Dr. Dupont: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for positive change!
Host: And to our viewers, make sure to stay informed and continue the conversation about consumer rights and sustainability. Until next time!