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Stop New York’s Surveillance and Censorship Mandate Before It’s Too Late

New York’s state budget could pass within days. Buried deep in the text is a provision that has nothing to do with balancing the books. Part C of the budget bill would require every 3D printer sold in New York to run surveillance software that scans every design file you create, and blocks anything an algorithm flags as a potential firearm component. A separate provision would expose researchers, journalists, and educators to felony charges simply for possessing or sharing certain design files.

This isn’t a niche issue for hobbyists. This is the state mandating censorship infrastructure on your devices, and handing printer companies a way to lock in and surveil users. It’s a direct attack on grassroots innovation and user control.

New York is one of the largest consumer markets in the country. When it mandates technology in hardware, manufacturers don’t build a New York-only version. They build one version and sell it everywhere. What passes in Albany won’t stay in New York.

The vote could happen within days. If you’re a New Yorker, contact your legislators now.

Stop New York's Attack on 3D Printing

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THANKS COPYRIGHT POLICY PRIVACY POLICY CONTACT

Members of the New York Senate and Assembly

Subject: Take the 3D Printer Surveillance Provision Out of the Budget

Message:

As your constituent, I’m asking you to remove the 3D printer provisions (Part C Subparts A and B) from the New York State 2026-2027 state budget before it comes to a vote. This provision won’t work to deter ghost guns, but it will create serious problems for ordinary New Yorkers. The provisions would require every 3D printer sold in New York to run software that scans every print job for potential firearm components. Experts are clear: no algorithm can do this successfully. Lawbreakers will find ways to easily bypass these controls, leaving users following the rules with all the burdens —erroneous blocking, fewer choices, and a greater risk of surveillance. It also raises serious First Amendment concerns by creating felony charges for possessing or sharing design files, with no meaningful exceptions to protect lawful use by researchers, teachers, or journalists. This legislation lacks essential safeguards, and critical details are still to be negotiated and decided by a working group outside of public scrutiny and without peer review. This flawed proposal should not be haphazardly rushed through the state’s budgetary process. New Yorkers deserve better. The creative community and industries that rely on this technology deserve better. Please take this provision out of the budget. Sincerely,

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Stop New York’s Surveillance and Censorship Mandate Before It’s Too Late

Stop New York's Attack on 3D Printing

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Stop New York’s Surveillance and Censorship Mandate Before It’s Too Late

Stop New York's Attack on 3D Printing

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