cross-posted from: https://libretechni.ca/post/1263630
New York’s state budget could pass within days. Buried deep in the text is a provision that has nothing to do with balancing the books. Part C of the budget bill would require every 3D printer sold in New York to run surveillance software that scans every design file you create, and blocks anything an algorithm flags as a potential firearm component . A separate provision would expose researchers, journalists, and educators to felony charges simply for possessing or sharing certain design files.
I don’t get it, why are they worried about people making firearms using a 3D printer? I might be wrong, but isn’t it fairly easy to acquire a real firearm in the US? So why would anyone use a 3D printed one?
It’s probably not as easy as you think by regular means (i.e. purchasing vs outright stealing), but the barrier to entry for legal ownership is decidedly lower than that of other developed nations.
I would wager though that the provisions in this bill will have significantly less effect than say, a law that penalizes gun owners for unsecured firearms that are either acquired by or used in the commission of a crime.
The only purpose of including this in the budget is for the legislators and sponsors of this line item can say they did something without actually having to do anything.
The problem with Hochul’s (among others) arguments is that they are legally ambiguous and technically unsound. We need to ensure we are systematically dismantling their talking points as loudly as possible and in the simplest terms. Take a look at some of these gems:
Keeping New Yorkers Safe: Governor Hochul Highlights Growing Support for Nation-Leading Proposals to Crack Down on DIY Machine Guns and 3D-Printed Guns
With Glock handguns specifically it’s easy to shove something in the back to block the little catch that stops it from being fully automatic, and right now it’s slightly easier to 3d print the right size piece of plastic than do it with a dremel. Some activists wanted to ban Glocks, but Glock is a big corporation so NY politicians warped it into a 3d printer ban while acting like they this is what you asked for.
And it’s vice-signalling to billionaires because Luigi supposedly had a 3d printed gun.
It’s probably lobbying by corporations who feel threatened by people being able to make and repair their own stuff. Also possibly gun manufacturers, and perhaps the government’s desire to spy on everything people are doing with tech. These things are always dressed up as safety measures.