Though used for years, microscopic yellow tracking dots created by some colour laser printers have recently raised privacy concerns with the European Commission.

The European Commission is concerned printers that leave such a trail are breaking European laws. Franco Frattini, the EU Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security, said that “to the extent that individuals may be identified through material printed or copied using certain equipment; such processing may give rise to the violation of fundamental human rights, namely the right to privacy and private life. It might also be violating the right to protection of personal data.”

Personal data is protected by the Data Protection Directive, but debate continues in Europe about how to define personal data. At times, it is uncertain what qualifies for protection.

Even if the information is not technically personal data, the tracking technology may still break the law. Article 7 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union provides for the protection of private and family life, home and communication. Article 8 specifically protects personal data.

Printer makers are able to encode the serial number, manufacturing code and the date of printing through a series of small yellow dots interspersed on the printed paper. These dots are invisible to the naked eye.

This technology was developed nearly 20 years ago because laser-printing technology enabled counterfeiting. It was developed by printing companies in response to countries reluctance to sell laser printers without some means of tracing or tracking counterfeiters.

[Continue reading]

Popularity: 23% [?]