A new law in New York could force 3D printers sold for homes and businesses to come equipped with technology blocking them from making semi-automatic rifles. The law, also under consideration in California, attempts to thwart the production of untraceable “ghost guns” that have turned up in crimes.
Background
About one-third of U.S. states already have taken steps to ban or regulate build-it-yourself firearms that lack serial numbers and evade the background checks required to purchase guns from federally licensed dealers. What makes the new effort unique is that it targets the equipment used to produce the firearms, not the people who make them.
The blocking technology being pushed in two of the nation’s most populous states has the potential to set industry standards for 3D printers. It also could serve as a model for other Democratic-led states wanting to add to their gun regulations, which often already ban certain semi-automatic rifles and allow firearms to be temporarily confiscated from people deemed to pose a threat to themselves or others.
Concerns and Criticisms
There are questions about whether the technology can work and concerns about its affect on personal privacy and constitutional rights. The Association of 3D Printing supports the legislation in New York and California, but “it’s not going to work,” said Bill Decker, executive chairman of the Association of 3D Printing. “It’s more of a political statement than anything else.”
Criminals still will come up with ways to make guns from 3D printers, either by altering their designs or taking their printing projects elsewhere, Decker said. The more aggressive the technology becomes, the more likely that it also blocks unintended items, said Rory Mir, director of open access and technology community engagement at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit digital rights group.
Gun Safety Advocates
Gun safety advocates say 3D printers have created a new pathway for people who cannot legally purchase firearms — like children or convicted felons — to nonetheless obtain them. Eleven states already generally prohibit 3D-printed guns, and six additional states require them to receive serial numbers, according to Everytown for Gun Safety.
Blocking the actual 3D printing of firearms could make it harder for people to ignore such laws. “3D printing really is the new frontier of the fight against ghost guns,” said Samuel Levy, director of policy advocacy at Everytown for Gun Safety.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
