New York’s state budget could pass within days. Buried deep in the text is a provision that has nothing to do with balancing the books. Part C of the budget bill would require every 3D printer sold in New York to run surveillance software that scans every design file you create, and blocks anything an algorithm flags as a potential firearm component . A separate provision would expose researchers, journalists, and educators to felony charges simply for possessing or sharing certain design files.
On a sidenote, 3D printers have always felt like: Yo, let’s give plastic waste and plastic contaminants to the common man! In a perfect world we could regulate this kind of thing for the betterment of everyone.
I can print parts (and even invent them!) that I would otherwise have to order from China. And this with polymers that can be grown and recycled. That is definitely a huge improvement…