
While there is no current U.S. law regulating the simple possession of computer code that could be used to 3D print firearms, there are statutory authorities to prevent the illegal import and export of such code. Relevant authorities differentiate whether individuals placing files onto the Internet are based in the United States or abroad. OGVP [the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention] recommends that the interpretation of export and import laws be harmonized and applied to best prevent the distribution of computer code used to print unserialized or undetectable 3D printed firearms.
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- Export: The Department of Commerce (DOC) has promulgated a regulation for addressing computer code that can be used to 3D print firearms pursuant to the Export Control Reform Act.[1] DOC regulates code that is “ready for insertion” into a 3D printer and posted on the Internet. DOC’s policy covers code that can directly interface with a 3D printer (e.g., G-code) as well as the code of the 3D design that only needs to be converted to G-code through widely available “slicer” software and with minimal additional information or manipulation from the individual.[2] This provision applies to individuals in the United States who place code on the Internet. Further interagency collaboration would assist DOC in identifying instances where an individual posts offending code on the Internet.
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- Import: The regulation of foreign actors who place computer code on the Internet that could be accessed by individuals in the United States and used to 3D print firearms falls under the jurisdiction of the DOJ. The legal authority to regulate these imports is substantially similar to the statute that is used by DOC, the Export Control Reform Act. However, while DOJ defines “defense articles” on the U.S. Munitions Import List to include firearms produced by 3D printers, it does not explicitly cover the computer code used to 3D print firearms or define “importation” to include downloading computer files from abroad. OGVP notes that these are areas where regulations can be strengthened.
DOJ has not engaged with the additive manufacturing industry on strategies to impede the 3D printing of firearms, but many of the same strategies for addressing 3D printed MCDs [GLOCK switches] may be available. OGVP suggests that one place to start a collaboration would be on fully plastic firearms that can evade a metal detector.
Like MCDs, one limitation in stopping the proliferation of 3D printed firearms is the lack of laws directly addressing the software and technology related to 3D printing of firearms. Because of the risk posed by 3D printing firearms to enable prohibited individuals to access firearms, facilitate gun trafficking and illegal gun dealing, and create firearms that evade metal detectors, OGVP proposes that in a manner consistent with the 1st and 2nd Amendments, Congress should prohibit the distribution of software that is ready to be used in a 3D printer to make a firearm, including software that can be easily converted to that form.
Additionally, the Undetectable Firearms Act should be modernized and updated to fully capture the technical specifications of the firearms that can evade security and include prohibitions on the computer code used to 3D print undetectable firearms.
— White House Statement, Biden-Harris Administration Takes Action to Combat Emerging Firearm Threats and Improve School-Based Active Shooter Drills
Biden Proposes Weaponizing DOJ
Proposes?
Just had a similar conversation with a lifelong friend yesterday about the transmission of “dangerous” information, coincidentally. As she was registering her children for both school and medical insurance recently after a move to a new residence, her ex (former husband and the father of their children) demanded she destroy all copies of any information she has about him. She countered that his info will continue to be needed by her throughout the kids’ younger years until they become adults, yet he insisted and even threatened legal action, using his SSN as his primary example.
He told her, “You will destroy any records you have containing my SSN so you can never use it again, you b!tch…” (she showed me some of his texts, and I’m being kind when relaying what he said here for SNW, because they were in reality much, much worse)
She simply replied, “You do realize I memorized your SSN long ago, yah? I don’t need your physical card.”
In many cases, you can’t stop the signal. GG CNC files are out there.
“3D print undetectable firearms”
There is no such thing as a 3D printed “undetectable firearm”. When you 3D print it, the firearm is completely detectable. The pic with the article proves it …. if it were not detectable then how did they get take picture of it?
😉
“to start a collaboration would be on fully plastic firearms that can evade a metal detector.”
Seriously?
Hand and feet evade metal detectors and they are used 1,000 times more for a violent crime than any gun is used.
I hear you. I started a new job and after signing the required HR forms against possessing weapons in the job, I went to the hardware store to get tools for said job. I picked up a 3 lb dead blow hammer, a 4 lb mini sledge, multiple pry bars and screwdrivers. I looked at the boss and said “I thought we had a policy against weapons on the truck.
“When you 3D print it, the firearm is completely detectable.”
Not by metal detector…
Darn it! Why don’t they make laws against crime?
“Not by metal detector…”
Am poorly informed about 3D-printed guns. Are the barrels, springs, and ammuniton also plastic?