3D Printable Firearm Dissemination Prompts Regulation at Thingiverse, a Global Leader in 3D Printer Model Archives - Lawmakers Urge 3D Printer Companies to Implement Artificial Intelligence Systems for Gun Print Detection and Prevention
In an effort to combat the distribution of gun-printing files, major 3D printing platforms like Thingiverse are implementing AI-driven automated technologies to prevent the upload and distribution of such files[1][3][5]. This move comes in response to investigations by authorities like the New York Police Department, which uncovered hundreds of weapon-related files on Thingiverse [1][3].
Thingiverse, one of the largest websites for downloading 3D printable model files, is now using machine learning to analyze uploaded files in real time. This AI-based detection system identifies and rejects those that resemble gun parts or functional firearm designs, thereby stopping them before they become publicly available [1][5].
In addition to this, Thingiverse has reinforced bans on sharing any files for functional firearms or critical gun components. However, non-lethal models such as cosplay props and toy replicas are still accessible [5].
The crackdown was partly prompted by law enforcement investigations, pushing platforms to take stronger control over their repositories [1][3]. The New York District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has also requested companies like Bambu Lab to join efforts to add hurdles to 3D printing guns and gun-related components [4]. Alvin Bragg suggested Bambu Lab consider implementing an AI-driven system to automatically detect gun-shaped parts in CAD files, which would be trained on gun blueprints [4].
This approach aims not necessarily to eliminate ghost guns completely but to make it substantially harder for users to find and print these weapon designs by limiting their presence on major 3D printing file sites [1]. Other 3D printer companies, while not specifically detailed in recent reports, increasingly connect their devices to monitoring and control systems, which may offer future opportunities for policy enforcement at the point of printing [2].
It's important to note that Tom's Hardware, a well-known source for news, analysis, and reviews on technology, does not recommend 3D printing any weapons. In fact, they have already tried 3D printing a gun for themselves [6].
For those interested in staying updated on the latest news and reviews in the 3D printing world, Tom's Hardware provides a list of the best 3D printers available [7]. Users can also follow Tom's Hardware on Google News for up-to-date news and analysis.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/us/politics/3d-printed-guns-thingiverse.html [2] https://www.wired.com/story/3d-printed-guns-are-back-and-theyre-harder-than-ever-to-stop/ [3] https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/nyc-crime-news/ny-thingiverse-3d-gun-files-new-york-20220420-gqjbq5h6vnb7nw7u7lzf6j7jzq-story.html [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/us/politics/3d-printed-guns-thingiverse-alvin-bragg.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/us/politics/thingiverse-3d-gun-files-policy.html [6] https://www.tomshardware.com/news/3d-printed-gun-test-strawberry-3d,42527.html [7] https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-3d-printers,6361.html
Thingiverse, one of the largest websites for downloading 3D printable model files, is now using machine learning to analyze uploaded files in real time, thereby incorporating technology to detect and reject gun parts or functional firearm designs. The New York District Attorney's office, led by Alvin Bragg, has also requested companies like Bambu Lab to consider implementing an AI-driven system to automatically detect gun-shaped parts in CAD files, aiming to make it substantially harder for users to find and print weapon designs by limiting their presence on major 3D printing file sites.
