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.
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.