US Legislation Threatens 3D Printing Innovation, EFF Alerts
Proposed laws in certain US states mandate state-certified software for 3D printers, restricting open-source options. The implications could stifle innovation and concentrate power among major manufacturers.

Proposed legislation in certain US states would mandate that only state-certified software operate on 3D printers, affecting the ability to use open-source programs like OrcaSlicer, Klipper, or PrusaSlicer. This change could halt community-driven development, limiting innovation to major manufacturers and reducing competition.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has highlighted a structural risk, as the infrastructure for blocking weapon components could extend to other content types. Moreover, the technical effectiveness of such measures is questionable, as blocked components could still be embedded in other objects. The rules could impact over ten million 3D printers globally, raising concerns about the future of the industry.




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