Justice Department Seeks Help from 3D Printing Industry to Combat Ghost Guns

Much like the government has called upon AI developers to seriously rethink the capabilities of their technology before charging forward, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has reached out to the 3D printing industry to assist in preventing the manufacturing of machine gun conversion devices (MCDs). The call for help was expressed in remarks by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco.

According to The Register, Monaco emphasized the significant role that 3D printing plays in the proliferation of MCDs, small and inexpensive devices often referred to as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic firearms into automatic weapons. Monaco noted that seizures of these devices have increased by 500% between 2017 and 2021, and they now represent the most frequently recovered illegal firearms by law enforcement.

“We need to engage software developers, technology experts and leaders in the 3D printing industry to identify solutions in this fight,” Monaco said during her address, underscoring the critical role these industries play in halting the spread of such devices. This collaboration mirrors the government’s ongoing push for technology companies to restrict the use of artificial intelligence for harmful purposes.

The Justice Department’s action includes the creation of the Action Network to Terminate Illegal Machinegun Conversion Devices (ANTI-MCD) committee. The committee will focus on enforcement coordination and sharing knowledge with law enforcement agencies to address the growing threat posed by MCDs. Additionally, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) will lead a national training initiative to better equip law enforcement officers to detect and respond to MCDs.

As part of the broader effort, the Justice Department reports it has seen success in reducing MCD-related crimes. For instance, in Oklahoma, where the U.S. Attorney has prioritized MCD prosecutions, the number of charges increased from just eight between 2020 and 2022 to 40 in less than a year. Monaco stressed that these initiatives are already having a tangible impact on public safety.

Despite legislative efforts, such as a stalled New York bill requiring background checks for the purchase of 3D printers, Monaco’s remarks emphasize that stopping the production of illegal devices will require cooperation from private industries.