Canon printers and scanners may capture and share user data with third parties, including personal information that exists in print jobs. This concern is highlighted by reporting from The Washington Post, which references Canon’s own privacy policy to explain how data can be handled when devices are used for printing and copying tasks.
The privacy policy indicates that Canon devices may collect data intended for marketing purposes. This means information about users can be shared with advertisers, and it may extend beyond the content of documents to include file metadata such as the geographic location where a photo or document was created or processed.
Canon did not provide direct responses to inquiries about whether personal data is collected, how long it is stored, or how it is used. The company stated that it acts in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and in the best interests of customers, without offering further specifics on data retention or usage practices.
Journalists found no explicit data collection clauses in the privacy policies of certain manufacturers used in public print services, although similar terms have appeared in user agreements for services from providers like FedEx, UPS, and Staples. This suggests a broader industry pattern where consumer data linked to printing and shipping activities may be subject to policy disclosures that vary by service and jurisdiction.
An anonymous industry expert emphasized the potential risks associated with saving sensitive credentials such as Wi-Fi passwords on connected devices. The warning underscores how improper handling of network credentials in office printers and scanners can create avenues for unauthorized access if devices are not properly secured.