The irrepressible spread of 3D printed firearms

This is an irritating topic for industry professionals, but the debate on 3D printed firearms has recently been revived by Wired UK magazine. The magazine describes the deployment in recent days of a new decentralized network of defenders of these weapons who are trying to popularize their use. It would seem this time that this network has neither a leader nor a head office, making it impossible for the government to identify it. However, we know the alias of their spokesman, Ivan the Troll, who said in an interview with Wired UK that thousands of them supposedly support this movement.

Last summer in the United States, the legalization of 3D printed weapons led to unprecedented controversy worldwide, following a legal battle that began in 2013. And for good reason, this law allowed 3D files of different weapons to be put online, allowing anyone to print them directly at home. A highly criticized decision that had even triggered several awareness-raising operations such as the one launched by Dagoma, the Harmless Weapons.

According to spokesman Ivan The Troll, an underground wave of 3D firearm printers is growing – he says it includes at least 100 people who actively use technology for this specific purpose, with thousands contributing to it, all over the world. This network communicates via the messaging tools Signal, Twitter, IRC and Discord, exchanging firearms files as well as tips and best practices for different projects. Apparently, the majority are 3D printed gun enthusiasts who share the same political ideas about their control. For example, Ivan the Troll has filmed several videos where you can see the weapons he has created in his garage, with messages like “Anyone can make it” or “Live free or die” explains the British magazine.