Some people are making guns with 3D printers. A new law seeks to cancel their print jobs.

New York recently enacted the first law in the U.S. mandating that 3D printers sold for home or business use include built-in technology to prevent the printing of gun parts. California is also exploring similar legislation, targeting the growing issue of untraceable 'ghost guns' made with 3D printers, which have surged in crimes nationwide. According to a 2024 U.S. Department of Justice report, privately made guns recovered in crimes rose from around 1,600 in 2017 to nearly 27,500 in 2023, though the exact number from 3D printers remains unspecified. Police in New York suspect a 3D-printed gun was used in the 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, highlighting the threat. The proposed technology would use firearm blueprint detection algorithms to scan digital designs before printing, rejecting those matching gun parts. New York’s law and California’s bill require expert panels to develop standards, with enforcement delayed until at least 2029 if deemed feasible. Experts suggest methods like geometric analysis—comparing shapes and dimensions—to identify prohibited prints, though critics argue the technology may not be reliable. The Association of 3D Printing supports the legislation but warns it may not work effectively. Industry leaders, including Bill Decker, executive chairman of the association, express concerns about overblocking legitimate designs or failing to stop determined users. Privacy advocates also question whether the technology could infringe on constitutional rights or personal freedoms. While 3D printers have revolutionized manufacturing—producing everything from toys to prosthetic limbs—their use in gun production raises legal and ethical debates. About one-third of U.S. states already regulate or ban homemade firearms, but New York’s approach is unique in targeting the printing equipment itself. If successful, the law could set a precedent for other states seeking stricter gun control measures.