Battle Over 3D-Printed Gun Regulation Intensifies
Cody Wilson, the creator of the first 3D-printed gun, has unveiled a tool titled “Hochulization,” designed to circumvent government efforts to block 3D printers from producing firearms. This move comes as a direct response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s legislation mandating gun file detection on new printers, a pioneering approach in the U.S., aiming to curb the creation of untraceable “ghost guns.”
How “Hochulization” Works
Wilson’s company, Defense Distributed, operates DEFCAD, reputed to be the largest repository of 3D gun designs, boasting over 200,000 files. Each of these files can be identified by a unique hash, which software systems use to block 3D gun prints. The “Hochulization” tool modifies these hashes by adding bytes, altering the digital signature without affecting the functionality of the printed guns. This prevents automated systems from identifying and blocking the design.
Reactions and Concerns
Wilson plans to incorporate the tool into all DEFCAD files and make it open source, allowing users to alter file hashes and potentially evade detection. He describes this as a “self-defense” against invasive digital surveillance. Wilson’s actions highlight broader opposition from various groups, including digital rights advocates and industry professionals, who see mandatory file scanning as an infringement on digital creation and privacy.
3D-Printed Gun Proliferation and Legislation
3D-printed firearms, although still small in number compared to traditional firearms, have shown a sharp increase in confiscations, exemplified by the NYPD’s seizure of 109 such weapons in 2024, up from just one in 2021. This surge has intensified calls for regulation, with advocates warning of legal loopholes that enable prohibited individuals to acquire firearms through 3D printing.
Governor Hochul’s legislation seeks to address these concerns by incorporating file-blocking software in new 3D printers. However, industry experts debate the effectiveness and scalability of such measures. Similar legislative efforts are also underway in California, with Assembly Bill 2047 advancing towards a Senate vote. This bill proposes similar restrictions to New York’s, targeting new printers sold within the state.
Technical and Legal Challenges
The mechanics of enforcement remain contentious. Pure hash-based detection could be easily circumvented, as Wilson’s project demonstrates, while more advanced AI systems could yield false positives. Dartmouth College’s Solomon Diamond notes that not all users will bother to modify hashes, meaning a hash-based approach may still deter casual users.
Wilson’s outspoken advocacy for 3D-printed gun rights has previously led to legal challenges, notably against the U.S. State Department concerning ITAR export rules. His contention that gun files represent protected speech under the First Amendment continues to fuel debates in court.
Beyond the gun control sphere, makers and hobbyists express concerns that such regulatory measures could impact broader 3D printing activities, potentially enforcing unnecessary IP restrictions.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theverge.com.