Summary
Printers embed hidden yellow dots on pages, revealing who printed what and when.
This tracking tech, existing for over 20 years, aids in preventing counterfeiting but raises privacy concerns.
Tracking codes are typically created by the printer firmware and embedded in the document as it is being printed.
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This process is automatic and does not require any user intervention.
In fact, most users don’t even know their printers are printing information that can track them.
How Did These Codes Come About?
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Thepatent for this technologywas originally granted in 1993 but has expired.
Despite the controversies surrounding printer tracking codes, they continue to be a standard feature in most modern printers.
The grids are also parallel to the edges of the page.
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The dots form a series of data, much like punch cards used on the earliest computers.
The tracking codes are encoded using a binary system, where each dot represents a bit of information.
The page is then photographed or scanned at a high resolution, typically 600 dpi or higher.
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The resulting image is processed using specialized software that analyzes the dot pattern and converts it into binary code.
The binary code is then translated into human-readable information based on the known structure of the tracking code grid.
Could This Feature Be Abused?
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One of the main concerns is the lack of transparency surrounding the use of tracking codes.
The potential for misuse and abuse of printer tracking codes is another significant concern.
This is a significant red flag for any individual who’s concerned about the privacy of their information.
Its use in some cases toprosecute whistleblowerswho have leaked documents is well-documented.
Can You Disable This Tracking?
The instructions for printing these tracking dots are embedded in the firmware for the printer.
However, under a blue LED light, you’ll still see the gridlike patterns printed on every sheet.
These days, not many people use printed sheets for anything other than permanent documentation.
However, these dots still exist, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to read them.
When printing something sensitive, be aware that the date and time of the document are also recorded.
It could be used to prove the existence of a printed page for time-specific issues.
