Warning - Lexmark printers collect info and report back to HQ

[punky]

Just stumbled across this...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11...xmark_spyware/

Seems like a worrying precedent. Especially if the bit about using non-Lexmark cartidges is true.

I don't agree with the guy that it is secret, the registration page seems pretty transparent to me.

[Chris W]

i just installed the driver files for mine without bothering with all the crappy useless software- no risk of spying if you do that

[purple_smarties]

my lexmark software regularly tries to connect to the internet but i blocked it from doing so as i assumed this is what it was doing

[Gareth]

Bah, the screenshot seems pretty clear to me. You could argue that by default it should be disabled and you have to elect to enrol rather than enrol by default, but Lexmark aren't the only company to use this tactic.

The words storm & teacup kinda spring to mind.

[purple_smarties]

Originally Posted by Gareth

Bah, the screenshot seems pretty clear to me. You could argue that by default it should be disabled and you have to elect to enrol rather than enrol by default, but Lexmark aren't the only company to use this tactic.

The words storm & teacup kinda spring to mind.

i did uncheck both boxes when i installed but it still tries to connect

[Gareth]

Originally Posted by purple_smarties

i did uncheck both boxes when i installed but it still tries to connect

Ahh, that's very sneaky of 'em then.

[purple_smarties]

Originally Posted by Gareth

Ahh, that's very sneaky of 'em then.

i know