Key facts
- New York is considering a law requiring 3D printers to have technology that prevents them from printing gun parts.
- California is also contemplating similar legislation.
- The proposed technology would analyze designs and reject those resembling firearm components.
- The mandate for this technology would take effect in 2029 or later, depending on feasibility studies.
- Gun safety advocates believe this law is crucial for combating untraceable "ghost guns."
- The NRA argues the measures infringe on constitutionally protected activities for responsible Americans.
New York is pioneering legislation that could require 3D printers sold for domestic and commercial use to incorporate technology capable of blocking the creation of firearms. This move, also being considered in California, aims to address the growing issue of untraceable "ghost guns" that have appeared in criminal activities.
The proposed laws target the manufacturing equipment itself, a unique approach compared to existing regulations in about one-third of U.S. states that ban or regulate the guns directly. The technology, if adopted, could establish industry standards nationwide and serve as a model for other states seeking to enhance gun control measures.
Over the past two decades, the number of 3D printers globally has surged from an estimated 30,000 to over 3 million, with the industry's value expanding from $2 billion to $26 billion annually. While high-end printers can cost thousands, some are now available for a few hundred dollars. These devices can produce a wide range of items, including toys, prosthetic limbs, and airplane parts, as well as firearms or their components using digital designs found online.
A U.S. Department of Justice report indicated a significant rise in privately made guns recovered in crimes, increasing from approximately 1,600 in 2017 to nearly 27,500 in 2023. In one notable case, a 3D-printed gun was reportedly used in the killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO in New York in 2024.
The New York law and a California bill propose expert panels to develop standards for firearm blueprint detection algorithms. This technology would analyze submitted designs, compare them against a library of firearm parts, and reject those deemed similar. The implementation of this blocking technology is slated for 2029 or later, contingent on the study group's findings on its feasibility.
Experts suggest methods like geometric analysis of shapes and dimensions could identify and block firearm parts. However, the Association of 3D Printing, while supporting the legislation, expresses skepticism about its effectiveness, viewing it as more of a political statement. Concerns have been raised that criminals might circumvent the technology by altering designs or using other printing methods.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation warns that such "censorship algorithms" could inadvertently block legitimate content and compromise user privacy, especially if cloud-based AI is involved in design analysis. They note that harmless objects might be misidentified as firearm components.
Gun safety advocates argue that 3D printers offer a new avenue for individuals legally prohibited from owning firearms to acquire them. The National Rifle Association, however, contends that these measures restrict law-abiding citizens and that homemade firearms are a "time-honored American tradition."