The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is warning that a new California legislative proposal could effectively censor 3D printing and criminalize the use of open-source software.
According to the EFF, California’s bill, A.B. 2047, would mandate 'censorware' on all 3D printers. This software is designed to block specific types of prints, a move the advocacy group says targets free expression.
Authors Cliff Braun and Rory Mir of the EFF claim the legislation goes further than similar proposals in Washington and New York. The bill would make it a misdemeanor for device owners to disable, deactivate, or circumvent these mandatory algorithms.
"It will not only mandate censorware — software which exists to bluntly block your speech as a user — on all 3D printers; it will also criminalize the use of open-source alternatives," the EFF reported.
Risks to innovation and consumer rights
While legislators often cite the threat of 'ghost guns' as a reason for such restrictions, the EFF argues that 3D printing of firearms is already rare and illegal under existing laws. They suggest the bill instead serves the interests of large manufacturers.
The outlet reported that the law could allow companies to adopt tactics similar to digital rights management (DRM) used in 2D printing. This includes locking users into specific ecosystems, mandating the purchase of proprietary parts, and forcing regular upgrade cycles through planned obsolescence.
Critics argue that algorithmic print blocking will fail to achieve its intended safety goals. The EFF warns the move will instead threaten consumer choice, privacy, and the ability to use third-party firmware.
By criminalizing the modification of printer code, the bill could stifle the use of open-source tools. The EFF warns this could lead to a 'bureaucratic mess' and significant harm to the state's tech innovation.
