California sues websites over 3D-printed ghost gun blueprints
California has launched legal action against two websites accused of sharing digital blueprints for 3D-printed firearms. Attorney General Rob Bonta and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed the lawsuit against Gatalog Foundation Inc. and CTRLPEW LLC. The state claims these platforms have broken laws by distributing files that allow untraceable 'ghost guns' to be made at home.
The lawsuit targets Gatalog and CTRLPEW for allegedly providing computer code and instructions to manufacture firearms. California argues that these materials enable prohibited individuals to obtain unserialised, untraceable weapons. The state's legal action follows years without similar cases—no US company has faced prosecution for sharing gun-making files since the 2018 Defense Distributed case.
Matthew Larosiere, a lawyer linked to Gatalog, has dismissed the claims. He describes the group as hobbyists exchanging ideas about home gunsmithing, not commercial gun sellers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also permits private citizens to build firearms for personal use without serial numbers or registration.
The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action is supporting the defendants in court. Their involvement adds weight to the defence as the case moves forward.
The lawsuit marks California's latest effort to restrict access to 3D-printed firearm designs. If successful, it could set a precedent for regulating online distribution of gun-making files. The outcome may also affect how hobbyist communities share technical information about firearms in the future.
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