AI-Powered Ghost Gun Detection Initiated by Thingiverse: Designs for 3D Printed Firearms Prohibited by Artificial Intelligence
Thingiverse, a popular file-sharing site for 3D printing enthusiasts, has announced new restrictions to combat the sharing of designs for ghost gun manufacturing. The move comes in response to pressure from authorities, including Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., following investigations that revealed a large number of downloadable ghost gun files on the platform.
The new measures, which include automated AI technology and human moderator oversight, aim to prevent the creation of untraceable, 3D printed firearms that lack serial numbers and circumvent regulatory oversight.
The automated AI technology will be used to rapidly detect and take down 3D firearm design files. However, it's important to note that no file will be removed from Thingiverse by a machine; it will always be a human decision. The human moderators will ensure accurate enforcement and make the final decisions on takedowns.
The new policy reinforces Thingiverse's ban on functional firearms, critical gun parts, or accessories that boost lethality. However, non-functional items such as cosplay props, airsoft models, and toy replicas will remain on the site. The policy will also undergo ongoing updates to align with regulatory requirements and public safety concerns.
Thingiverse's anti-firearm policy can be found on the Thingiverse blog. It prohibits uploading firearms, their components, or lethal accessories but allows replica props, airsoft guns, sci-fi blaster toys, and gun-like objects that shoot candy.
The district attorney cited software called "3D GUN'T" produced by Print & Go as a potential solution for identifying gun parts using AI algorithms. Print & Go is a workflow system used to remotely manage print farms and claims to be able to prevent guns from being 3D printed by analyzing files and comparing them to a library of known firearms. However, it's worth noting that Print & Go is a highly invasive system that includes tracking to provide personal data to the authorities if it detects files it does not deem appropriate. It can also access a printer's built-in camera to further identify "gun-shaped objects."
In a letter sent to Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Creality in March 2025, the Manhattan District Attorney asked for AI tools to prevent printers from creating firearms and to remove weapons from Creality Cloud.
In the United States, citizens can possess and manufacture many firearms for personal use without background checks or registration. However, firearms made for sale must be properly regulated, tracked, and registered.
[1] Thingiverse Blog - New Restrictions on Firearm-Related Content [2] Manhattan District Attorney's Office Press Release - Crackdown on 3D Printed Ghost Guns [3] Wired - The Ghost Gun Epidemic and the Race to Stop It [5] The New York Times - The Rise of the Ghost Gun and the Battle to Regulate It
- The new restrictions on Thingiverse aim to prevent the sharing of designs for ghost gun manufacturing, a move catalyzed by pressure from authorities such as Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr.
- Thingiverse's new policy reinforces its ban on functional firearms, critical gun parts, or accessories that boost lethality, but allows non-functional items like cosplay props and toy replicas to remain on the site.
- The district attorney cited software called "3D GUN'T" produced by Print & Go as a potential solution for identifying gun parts using AI algorithms, but it is noted that Print & Go is highly invasive, tracking users and providing personal data to the authorities.
- In the US, citizens can possess and manufacture many firearms for personal use without background checks or registration, but firearms made for sale must be properly regulated, tracked, and registered.
- The Manhattan District Attorney sent a letter to Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Creality in March 2025, asking for AI tools to prevent printers from creating firearms and to remove weapons from Creality Cloud.
