We have a lovely new colour laser printer. It is pretty sweet... except I can't use it anonymously. If I print something that annoys somebody, like maybe expose corporate or government corruption, or express an unpopular or dangerous political opinion, it can be traced back to me.
This is done with little yellow dots scattered across the image. You can't see them easily. They are intended to fight counterfeiting of currency; there is no law mandating this; some (not all) printer makers do it to mollify governments. And hey, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that counterfeit currency is a bad thing that hurts us all. But to solve that problem I'm not willing to end privacy and anonymity of the printed word.
So imagine that I do want to use my printer for anonymous communication. Say I call my printer manufacturer to ask how to turn off the narc bits: chances are, I'll get a visit from the goon squad to ask me what my intentions are. And chances are I'll get added to a list of "troublemakers".
That sounds like good company. Count me in.
3 comments:
Interesting article. I would never thought something like exists. Talking about control from government/corporations my fairly new computer with Windows Vista on it, is getting too slow every single day! It is a lie about how fast Vista starts your computer. I t takes a long time (around 8 mins more or less) to start working. And it is getting worse. I keep getting over and over messages about getting anti-virus, buying security whoknowswhat... besides Microsoft products are not allowing certain browsers to see videos and or pics.Is that legal? I use Mozilla. I have decided not to fall into their game. Yahoo wants me to use explorer to see their videos. I am not using explorer. Yahoo is becoming a pain to use too.
New Windows Media is a disaster. As you said, It cares about Hollywood and not about who actually buy the software. I cannot see a video taken from my digital camara! It keeps breaking all the way. I can see it better on your computer (with Ubuntu) eventhough I am using the format that Microsoft wants me to use MPEG. I cannot use MP4, because it is simple worst to watch, almost impossible with a Microsoft PC. I totally agree with you, Microsoft is over- at least for me. I can't wait for the new Macs and give it a try- Not that they are any better monopolizing the media industry as well. At least their software works for their customers though (I heard/read) BUT HEY- WAIT A SECOND!,big monopoly corporations are good to the wold!- They are shameless justifying themselves through their 'foundations'
I sure wish I had something witty to say but the truth is I hate the idea of little yellow dots all over the printed page AND I CAN'T SEE THEM! Guess I will stick with my aging printer that is probably of pre-yellow dot vintage. I can print money???
What I hate is paying extra money for yellow ink cartridges! I plan to start refilling mine with my own urine.
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