Increased distribution of ghost guns prompts strict measures at Thingiverse, the widespread 3D printer model archive; legislators additionally urge 3D printer manufacturers to develop AI technologies for identifying and preventing gun blueprints.
In a recent development, Thingiverse, one of the largest websites for downloading 3D printable model files, has announced new strategies to prevent the upload and distribution of gun-related files on its platform. This move comes in response to an investigation handled by the New York Police Department (NYPD) regarding weapon-related files found on Thingiverse.
The NYPD investigation uncovered hundreds of weapon-related files that could be downloaded by users and presumably 3D printed. This revelation highlighted the need for tighter controls on 3D printing platforms, leading to the suggestion of an AI-driven system to check CAD files for gun-shaped parts.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg contacted 3D printer company Bambu Lab, making it the second such company approached by Bragg in his efforts to make it harder to find and download ghost gun files. Thingiverse is now responding with a new "automated technology" designed to block the upload of dangerous files, like guns and gun-related components, before they're published.
Thingiverse's new approach combines automated AI-based detection technologies with human moderation. The automated tools, powered by AI, are deployed to detect and prevent uploads of gun designs or critical firearm components. Human reviewers are also part of the process, making final takedown decisions after automated systems flag suspicious files.
To further strengthen its stance, Thingiverse has updated and strictly enforced its Acceptable Use Policy to explicitly ban sharing of functional firearms, essential gun parts, or accessories that increase lethality. Non-functional replicas like cosplay props or toys are still allowed.
The company has also committed to responding to regulatory pressure and requests from officials, such as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who urged 3D printing companies to take stronger actions against the spread of “ghost gun” CAD files. Thingiverse agreed to purge its library of existing firearm-related files and improve ongoing moderation efforts.
While these steps mark a significant tightening of controls on major platforms like Thingiverse, authorities acknowledge that these efforts are unlikely to eradicate the availability of 3D printable gun files entirely. However, the goal is to raise barriers and disrupt large-scale, easily accessible distribution of these dangerous files.
In summary, the main strategies include:
- AI-powered automated filtering of uploads for gun-related content.
- Human oversight of flagged uploads to enforce bans.
- Policy updates explicitly forbidding firearm-related designs.
- Collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory authorities to address the rise of ghost guns.
These measures aim to balance the creativity and openness of 3D printing communities with the need to prevent the proliferation of untraceable, homemade firearms enabled by digital blueprints publicly shared online. Bambu Lab, if it implements the suggested AI-driven system, would aim to make it harder for users to 3D print guns and gun-related components.
Thingiverse has implemented a new strategy to prevent the upload and distribution of gun-related files, incorporating AI-based detection technologies and human moderation for automated detection and prevention of gun designs or critical firearm components. The company has also updated its Acceptable Use Policy to explicitly ban sharing of functional firearms, essential gun parts, or accessories that increase lethality.
In response to regulatory pressure and requests from officials, Thingiverse has agreed to purge its library of existing firearm-related files and improve ongoing moderation efforts, collaborating with law enforcement and regulatory authorities to address the rise of ghost guns. These measures aim to balance the creativity and openness of 3D printing communities with the need to prevent the proliferation of untraceable, homemade firearms enabled by digital blueprints publicly shared online.
