Apparently this is all true.
AI Overview
... View MoreApparently this is all true.
AI Overview
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Yes, some color laser printers encode a unique serial number on printed pages in the form of barely visible yellow dots. This is done to help identify the printer that produced a document, which can be useful in investigations related to counterfeiting or tracking down the origin of printed materials.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Microdots or Tracking Dots:
These are tiny yellow dots, often arranged in a matrix pattern, that are added to the printed page.
Encoding:
The arrangement of these dots encodes the printer's serial number, along with other information like the date and time of printing.
Purpose:
The primary purpose is to enable forensic analysis of documents, allowing authorities to trace them back to the specific printer used.
Privacy Concerns:
The existence of these tracking dots raises privacy concerns, as it means documents can be traced back to the printer owner, potentially without their knowledge or consent.
Limited Scope:
This technology is primarily used in color laser printers and is not typically found in color inkjet printers.
Government Use:
The US Secret Service has admitted to using this technology to investigate counterfeiting cases, but privacy advocates worry about its potential misuse in other situations.
No Widespread Disclosure:
While the technology is known to exist, not all printer manufacturers openly disclose it.
