CSC 379 SUM2008:Week 4, Group 4: Difference between revisions
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===Why Is It Useful?=== | ===Why Is It Useful?=== | ||
<Work in Progress> | <Work in Progress> | ||
: | :[http://www.kahl.net/news/2005/10/government-tracks-printer-usage-with.html Counterfeiters] often employ the technique of scanning legal currency into their computer then using a color laser or inkjet printer they are able to mass-produce the counterfeit bills that are of a high enough quality that they will fool most people. By using the hidden tracking codes, law-enforcement officials, specifically the Secret Service, are able to determine the brand and model number of the printer that produced the counterfeit bills as well as finding the specific serial number of the offending machine. They are then able to use that information to contact the manufacturer of the printer to gain information about who purchased that specific printer. | ||
[http://www.pcworld.com/article/118664/government_uses_color_laser_printer_technology_to_track_documents.html] | |||
[http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;1002274598 Not just US] | |||
===Is it bad idea?=== | ===Is it bad idea?=== | ||
Revision as of 23:56, 1 August 2008
What if every page you print from a color printer were labeled with a hidden code, detailing the printer the page was printed from, the date of printing and the time of printing, down to the minute? What if this feature was intentionally hidden from the user and could not be disabled? What if the code could be viewed and decoded by anyone, not just law enforcement? These hidden tracking codes exist – examine the ethical considerations they pose. Should users be informed of the feature? Should users be able to disable the feature? Develop ethical arguments for both positions.
Printer Tracking Technology
How does it work?
- Currently found only in some laser printers. (highlight EFF's list of affected printers)
How it works. (This section should have a picture/diagram example of how tracking dots can be used to encode information)
Why Is It Useful?
<Work in Progress>
- Counterfeiters often employ the technique of scanning legal currency into their computer then using a color laser or inkjet printer they are able to mass-produce the counterfeit bills that are of a high enough quality that they will fool most people. By using the hidden tracking codes, law-enforcement officials, specifically the Secret Service, are able to determine the brand and model number of the printer that produced the counterfeit bills as well as finding the specific serial number of the offending machine. They are then able to use that information to contact the manufacturer of the printer to gain information about who purchased that specific printer.