California May Ban Bypassing Software That Blocks 3D-Printed Gun Production

The California State Assembly has passed Bill AB 2047, known as the California Firearm Printing Prevention Act. The legislation requires all 3D printers sold in the state to include blocking technology that analyzes files before printing begins. Unlike similar initiatives in other states, the California bill imposes criminal liability for disabling or bypassing these systems.

The bill was introduced by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan. According to the document, the California Department of Justice must develop standards for detecting firearm blueprints by early 2028. Manufacturers will be required to provide compliance certification for each printer model by July of that year, with sales of non-compliant devices subject to fines of up to $25,000 per violation starting March 2029.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has criticized the bill, calling it "censorship software." Experts argue that the ban on modifying devices will lock users into proprietary ecosystems, similar to inkjet printer cartridges. Additionally, the law threatens the use of open-source software like Marlin and Klipper, drawing backlash from the enthusiast and developer community.

Supporters of the initiative claim the law will help close loopholes in firearm regulation. They cite statistics showing a 1000% increase in seized 3D-printed firearms across 20 U.S. cities from 2020 to 2024. While the law exempts firearm manufacturers, law enforcement, and special effects studios, it impacts educational institutions and public makerspaces.