New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg is spearheading a national effort to curb the proliferation of 3D-printed firearms, touting a proposed nationwide crackdown that would effectively ban the production and distribution of unlicensed gun parts.
As part of his broader push against gun violence, Bragg aims to amend existing laws in all states to require 3D printers sold within their borders to be equipped with technology that blocks the creation of unauthorized firearms. Furthermore, possessing, selling, or distributing digital blueprints for printing illicit guns would become a serious offense under this legislation.
Under the proposed restrictions, gun manufacturers who have voluntarily adopted machine learning tools to prevent the production of firearms would be exempt from Bragg's proposals. However, if these measures are included in the state budget by April, they would become law nationwide, according to Bragg.
The proposal is aimed at addressing the growing concern over ghost guns – untraceable firearms that can be manufactured at home using 3D printing technology. Authorities have warned of a sharp increase in such guns recovered nationwide between 2017 and 2021, with many cases involving minors who discovered how to print them through YouTube's algorithm while engaging in gaming.
Manhattan District Attorney Bragg believes that his office has been successful in disrupting ghost gun networks by targeting individuals selling plastic parts for assembly. However, he acknowledges that this is only part of the solution.
In addition to regulating 3D-printed firearms, Bragg also intends to crack down on bitcoin-related money laundering. While details about his strategy remain unclear, it marks another step in his efforts to target the networks and systems that facilitate gun violence rather than just focusing on individual perpetrators.
Industry officials from 3D printer manufacturers and state gun lobbyists have yet to respond to requests for comment on Bragg's proposals.
As part of his broader push against gun violence, Bragg aims to amend existing laws in all states to require 3D printers sold within their borders to be equipped with technology that blocks the creation of unauthorized firearms. Furthermore, possessing, selling, or distributing digital blueprints for printing illicit guns would become a serious offense under this legislation.
Under the proposed restrictions, gun manufacturers who have voluntarily adopted machine learning tools to prevent the production of firearms would be exempt from Bragg's proposals. However, if these measures are included in the state budget by April, they would become law nationwide, according to Bragg.
The proposal is aimed at addressing the growing concern over ghost guns – untraceable firearms that can be manufactured at home using 3D printing technology. Authorities have warned of a sharp increase in such guns recovered nationwide between 2017 and 2021, with many cases involving minors who discovered how to print them through YouTube's algorithm while engaging in gaming.
Manhattan District Attorney Bragg believes that his office has been successful in disrupting ghost gun networks by targeting individuals selling plastic parts for assembly. However, he acknowledges that this is only part of the solution.
In addition to regulating 3D-printed firearms, Bragg also intends to crack down on bitcoin-related money laundering. While details about his strategy remain unclear, it marks another step in his efforts to target the networks and systems that facilitate gun violence rather than just focusing on individual perpetrators.
Industry officials from 3D printer manufacturers and state gun lobbyists have yet to respond to requests for comment on Bragg's proposals.
. I mean, people are like literally printing their own guns at home with a 3D printer... it's just too easy and stupid 
. And what's crazy is that some of these kids even figure out how to do it on YouTube's algorithm 
. Like, isn't that just asking for trouble? I'm not sure if blocking the creation of unauthorized firearms in 3D printers is gonna solve the problem entirely though... seems like there's still a way around it somehow 
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We're already dealing with so many issues with guns in this country, and now we gotta worry about these super-scary untraceable ones that can be made at home? 
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We need to make sure that our laws are in place to protect these kids and others from getting hurt.
Maybe we'll see some progress here, but I hope so... 
. But seriously, can you imagine how hard it must be to keep up with all these tech-savvy individuals creating their own guns and selling them online? I mean, we should probably give Alvin Bragg a cookie for trying 
. And btw, 3D-printed guns are just so... last century 
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. I mean, who needs more gun control laws? It's not like it's going to stop anyone who really wants a gun. And what's with the fuss about 3D-printed firearms? It's just a bunch of people trying to circumvent existing laws, if you ask me 
. I'd rather not rely on some new law or regulation to keep me safe. That's just not how it works in the real world. We need to take responsibility for our own actions and stop relying on others to fix everything for us 
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. I mean, if you're trying to launder money with Bitcoin, didn't you know that already? It's not exactly a secret operation 
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! Can you imagine walking down the street with a fully functional untraceable ghost gun? That's so creepy 
. I'm all for stricter laws to control 3D-printed firearms, it's like, who needs that kind of tech in our hands, right? 
The thought of minors discovering how to print guns online is just terrifying 
. What's next, 3D printing your own poison or something? 
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I mean, what was wrong with us back then that we thought this wasn't a big deal? And now we're facing a major issue because of it. Alvin Bragg is trying to address this by regulating 3D-printed firearms, but it's hard not to think that we should've been on top of this years ago... 
What's wrong with our education system that they can't even learn about gun safety in school? It's just so frustrating. I hope Bragg's proposals stick and we can finally tackle this issue. 
. I mean, those ghost guns are super concerning - its like, how do you even track them? I'm all for the proposed law, especially with the tech thing to block 3D printing of unlicensed guns 
. Its also good that gun manufacturers who have machine learning tools will be exempt, because thats a way forward, right? 
. Alvin Bragg is trying his best, but it's not an easy fight 
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. I mean, I get it, ghost guns are a big problem and we need to do something about them. But can you really stop people from printing their own guns just by blocking the 3D printers? 
these ghost guns are a total nightmare, can't even imagine having a kid find one online through YouTube 
. I just wish this was a national conversation already 
we need more people like Bragg who care about gun safety 
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. And what's with the machine learning tools thing? Sounds like a bit of a cop-out 
. And another thing, Bitcoin money laundering? Like, how is that even relevant to 3D-printed guns? Can't we just focus on making the tech safer without jumping around in the dark web? 
Alvin Bragg is like a superhero, tackling two major issues at once - ghost guns & bitcoin money laundering! 
. And can we talk about how he's taking it upon himself to amend existing laws across all states? That's no easy feat 
also, bitcoin-related money laundering is a major concern, we need more transparency in these financial systems 
, and we need to take action to prevent ppl from making them at home 
. its not just about regulating 3d printing tech tho - we need to address the root causes of gun violence too 
. They want to tie it all back to the guns, so we can't connect the dots between the two. It's like they're hidin' behind a veil of conspiracy 
.