As a longtime member of the 3D-printing community, I'm alarmed by new legislation targeting the digital files, platforms, and machines that create weapons. It raises a powerful question: Who decides what can be made?
My printer is not connected, its firmware is opensource, and use a VPN. I’m pretty sure whoever has bad intents will have no issue figuring out how to get a model and print it.
I believe this regulation would mostly impact casual 3D-printing enthusiasts who minds their privacy, and set a precedent to regulate what can be printed. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people were watching this closely, thinking about banning spare parts models to repair appliances under an “IP” excuse.
There are so many precedent where freedom restrictions passed under the excuse of “terrorism”, “protect the children”, now “prevent murders” and later there is almost never a review of their efficiency, because when there is… the conclusion is appalling.
We’re just slowly moving towards more control and less freedom.
My printer is not connected, its firmware is opensource, and use a VPN. I’m pretty sure whoever has bad intents will have no issue figuring out how to get a model and print it.
I believe this regulation would mostly impact casual 3D-printing enthusiasts who minds their privacy, and set a precedent to regulate what can be printed. I wouldn’t be surprised if some people were watching this closely, thinking about banning spare parts models to repair appliances under an “IP” excuse.
There are so many precedent where freedom restrictions passed under the excuse of “terrorism”, “protect the children”, now “prevent murders” and later there is almost never a review of their efficiency, because when there is… the conclusion is appalling.
We’re just slowly moving towards more control and less freedom.