In New York, the purchase of a 3D printer could soon require a background check to determine whether the buyer has a criminal record. Democratic Senator Jenifer Rajkumar has introduced a bill to this effect. The goal is to prevent convicted felons from using 3D printers to create so-called “ghost guns.”
Ghost guns are unregistered firearms that can be easily assembled. With the help of a 3D printer, components such as triggers or grips can be produced for them. According to police reports, the number of such weapons has increased sharply in New York recently.
The proposed law would require a criminal background check for the purchase of a 3D printer. In addition, sales would be prohibited to those with a corresponding criminal record. Which printer models would be specifically affected is still unclear. Critics see restrictions on freedom.
Proponents argue that this would prevent the misuse of 3D printers for illegal purposes. The Biden administration is also trying at the federal level to regulate “ghost guns” more closely. Legal doubts remain, however, in the absence of comprehensive federal legislation.
Whether the measure would be effective in New York is questionable – after all, there are other ways to obtain guns. Moreover, many components can be purchased legally. Critics see more symbolic politics.
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