3D-PRINTING INDUSTRY AIDE SOUGHT BY DOJ TO CURB HOMEMADE MACHINE GUN CONVERSION DEVICES SPREAD!
The U.S. Justice Department is leveraging technology and broadening its pool of collaborations to confront a formidable threat to national security: the 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices. The involvement of the 3D-printing industry in combatting the existence and proliferation of these illegal firearms could mark a crucial turning point in the protection of our democratic society.
The conversion devices, small pieces of plastic or metal that effectively turn semi-automatic firearms into full-blown machine guns, have become only too familiar in recent years. Made using 3D printers, their usage has been growing at an alarming rate. Between 2017 and 2021, according to ATF Director Steve Dettelbach, there was a staggering 570% increase in such devices collected by law enforcement agencies.
Potentially even more concerning are the grim events these conversion devices have been associated with. Their participation has been verified in numerous mass shootings, a chilling prospect that adds urgency to the Justice Department's efforts. Indeed, the urgency cannot be overstated. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the immediate nature of this threat, calling for swift and decisive action to thwart its development.
The proposed solutions for this crisis demonstrate a recognition of the technological dimension of the issue at hand. It's not just about guns and law enforcement; it's about software developers and leaders in the 3D-printing space. The best way to disarm this digital Pandora’s box could very well be to fight fire with fire.
To this end, much is invested in fostering links between the Justice Department and the 3D-printing industry. Precisely how this collaboration will unfold remains to be seen but it is clear that these technological experts will play a pivotal role in putting the lid back on this particularly modern can of worms.
Aside from this, initiatives are in the works to bolster law enforcement's responses to these evolving threats. This includes a national training program for officers and prosecutors to help them better understand and address the unique challenges posed by these devices and a committee aimed at identifying trends and gathering intelligence in this regard.
But, as with combatting any threat that evolves as fast as technology does, the success of these efforts remains to be seen. If effectively managed, this collaborative approach, pairing traditional law enforcement with the cutting-edge technology sector, could represent a potent strategy.
However, the underlying concern is that this threat exposes our adaptability as a society. As technology continues to evolve and infiltrate all aspects of society, so too do potential threats. In our race to stay ahead of the curve, we are also racing to keep harmful technological advances from undermining the safety and security of our citizens.
This confrontation with 3D-printed machine gun conversion devices is not just about addressing a current threat. It's also about preparing us for a future where the lines between technology and crime blur more dangerously than ever, and ensuring our defenses are ready for the challenges that time will inevitably bring.