3D printing and internet freedom



    3D printers can be the impetus for the adoption of new laws that tighten the screws on the Web. The reason for all this is their growing popularity, the prices of the printers themselves, which are decreasing every year, and, most importantly, what can be created using these printers.

    Today, 3D printers use (mostly) prototyping. Devices are getting cheaper. If MarketBot sell printers at a price of about $ 2000 per device, then this project on kickstarter is trying to raise funds for the production of printers, which can be bought already for $ 1199. Given such dynamics, few people will be surprised to see a 3D printer for 500 bucks in a couple of years.

    So, we figured out the price of the issue, it has every chance of becoming very affordable.

    3D printers allow you to print everything that your imagination can throw you. People print toys, jewelry. Firms offer the production of prostheses, spare parts for cars and even homes.

    Of course, people have different fantasies, and if you sit at home and peacefully stamp StarWars trinkets and figurines, this does not mean that your neighbor is doing the same.

    Someone HaveBlue reported on the AR15 forum, which he has been reading for quite some time. There appeared information on the creation of a fully functional .22 caliber pistol using a 3D printer. The forum included a diagram for printing all the details. The cost of the barrel was some $ 100. And some even manage to use printers to produce illegal chemical compounds.

    Then everything is simple.

    Since any wise guy can make a barrel at home, the law enforcement authorities will have to somehow control what you print on your printer.

    And here are some regulatory methods that are in the air.

    Federal authorities may try to control every CAD file sent to print for its “harmlessness”. Of course, this will become possible only if the feds have access to every home and work computer.

    But even such a draconian measure will not be effective - what will prevent a person from using a printer connected to a computer without a network?

    In general, a certain dilemma is being created - either to create a series of bills that will somehow interfere with privacy, reducing the level of your Internet freedom, or develop such rules that will minimize any negative consequences of the prevalence of 3D printing. changing the current situation of human rights and freedoms on the Web.

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