Description
New York is contemplating a bill that adds surveillance to 3D printers:
> New York’s 20262027 executive budget bill (S.9005 / A.10005) includes language that should alarm every maker, educator, and small manufacturer in the state. Buried in Part C is a provision requiring all 3D printers sold or delivered in New York to include "blocking technology." This is defined as software or firmware that _scans every print file_ through a "firearms blueprint detection algorithm" and refuses to print anything it flags as a potential firearm or firearm component.
I get the policy goals here, but the solution just won't work. It's the same problem as DRM: trying to prevent general-purpose computers from doing specific things. Cory Doctorow wrote about it in 2018 and--more generally--spoke about it in 2011.
> New York’s 20262027 executive budget bill (S.9005 / A.10005) includes language that should alarm every maker, educator, and small manufacturer in the state. Buried in Part C is a provision requiring all 3D printers sold or delivered in New York to include "blocking technology." This is defined as software or firmware that _scans every print file_ through a "firearms blueprint detection algorithm" and refuses to print anything it flags as a potential firearm or firearm component.
I get the policy goals here, but the solution just won't work. It's the same problem as DRM: trying to prevent general-purpose computers from doing specific things. Cory Doctorow wrote about it in 2018 and--more generally--spoke about it in 2011.
Basic Information
ID
SCHNEIER:221C00D65A3123CF79BF2090FFB08D77
Published
Feb 12, 2026 at 12:01
Modified
Feb 10, 2026 at 17:04