After many rounds of prototypes, the design files for the world’s first 3D printable handgun were made available online. The 3D printable gun design, The Liberator, was downloaded over 100,000 times in less than 48 hours. Internet users in the United States were among the majority of people downloading the designs, however Brazil recorded more downloads than any other country.
In the short time the files have been made public, the United States government issued an order for the 3D printable gun design to be removed from the Internet. However, the files have already been made available on multiple file sharing sites that are challenging, if not impossible, for law enforcement officials to moderate effectively.
The request to take down the weapon files has been made before proposed gun laws addressing 3D printed guns have been passed into law. In some states, requests for immediate law changes were made. For now, it is currently legal for US citizens to make their own firearms; a 3D printer and gun design files would be another means for individuals to create guns.