Tech desk: Facebook on Thursday said it
was moving to prevent the sharing of blueprints for 3D-printed guns on
the social network, which violates its rules on regulated goods, reports
AFP.
“Sharing instructions on how to manufacture firearms using 3D
printers or CNC milling machines is not allowed under our Community
Standards,” a Facebook spokesman said in response to an AFP inquiry.
“In line with our policies, we are removing this content from Facebook.”
The social network added it was working out the range of website links or gun-printing content that will be removed.
Banning blueprints or instructions for 3D-printed guns is in line
with the social network’s rules on regulated goods such as firearms,
which can only be legally sold or exchanged by licensed dealers.
A US gun rights advocate last week was gearing up for a legal fight
to be able to publish online blueprints for 3D-printed firearms, as the
White House signaled support for a federal judge’s decision to block the
venture.
Cody Wilson’s Texas-based company Defense Distributed had briefly
made the blueprints available online, but Seattle-based US District
Judge Robert Lasnik granted an injunction to take the material down.
The administration of US President Donald Trump last month gave
permission for Wilson to publish the blueprints, but the White House
subsequently said the president was unaware of the decision and was glad
it was being reviewed.
Eight US states and the District of Columbia sued, arguing the
blueprints could allow anyone — from a teen to a “lone wolf” gunman — to
make untraceable, undetectable plastic weapons.
Wilson complied with the judge’s order, but put out a call for
financial support for the legal battle ahead, including a scheduled
August 10 court hearing.
He told CBS News ahead of the injunction that he believes “access to
firearms is a fundamental human dignity. It’s a fundamental human
right.”