Facebook cracks down on 3D guns

Facebook is banning sites that host digital blueprints for 3D printed guns from its platform.

“Sharing instructions on how to print firearms using 3D printers is not allowed under our Community Standards. In line with our policies, we are removing this content from Facebook,” a Facebook spokesperson told The Hill on Thursday.

The company said it is looking at how to further strengthen its policy against 3D guns.

The Facebook ban comes as states try to prevent websites from sharing such files and as Congress debates the issue.

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In July, the State Department and Defense Distributed, a non-profit organization, reached a settlement allowing the group to post files on how to print 3D guns.

However, a federal judge granted a temporary injunction preventing Defense Distributed from uploading the plans. Despite that injunction, other sites have posted 3D gun files.

Senate Democrats last month introduced legislation that would have prohibited anyone from posting blueprints for 3D guns online. But GOP Sen. Mike Lee (Utah) blocked the bill, citing First Amendment grounds.

Gun control advocates worry about the proliferation of 3D guns which are hard to detect or trace.

In July, President Trump tweeted about the matter, writing: “I am looking into 3-D Plastic Guns being sold to the public. Already spoke to NRA, doesn’t seem to make much sense!”

Multiple states have sued his administration seeking to stop the distribution of 3D gun blueprints.