Politicians Consider Soviet-Style Controls on 3D Printers
4 hours ago
- #gun-control
- #government-regulation
- #3D-printing
- Politicians in several states are proposing Soviet-style controls on 3D printers to restrict the manufacturing of gun parts.
- 3D-printed guns have been a concern since Cody Wilson printed the first Liberator pistol in 2013, leading to advancements like semi- and full-automatic designs.
- California's proposed bill A.B. 2047 would require 3D printers to use algorithms to detect and block firearm designs, making circumvention illegal.
- Similar to Soviet photocopier controls, these restrictions are likely to fail due to mass defiance and technological workarounds.
- Experts warn that accurately identifying gun parts is difficult, and workarounds for screening mandates would be easy to develop and implement.
- The push to regulate 3D printers reflects broader government fears over technologies that empower individuals beyond state control.