California sues websites hosting 3D printed gun files — online platforms allegedly violate multiple civil codes regarding unlawful distribution and manufacturing of firearms

Source: Tom’s Hardware

Image credit: Getty Images

Overview

The State of California has filed a civil suit against two websites that host 3D‑printing files for guns and related accessories, as well as guides and instructions on how to use them. The lawsuit also names three individuals:

• Alexander Holladay, operator of the CTRL+Pew website
• Matthew Larosiere, gun‑rights attorney and 3D‑printed gun designer
• John Elik, known online as “IvanTheTroll”

Legal Basis

The suit alleges violations of California Civil Code sections 3273.61 and 3273.625, both of which took effect this year.

• Section 3273.61: Prohibits the distribution of digital firearm manufacturing code in California to an unlicensed manufacturer.
• Section 3273.625: Penalizes anyone who “knowingly, willfully, or recklessly cause another person to engage in the unlawful manufacture of firearms” or who “knowingly, willfully, or recklessly aid, abet, promote, or facilitate the unlawful manufacture of firearms.”

For more details, see the report from 3D Printing Industry.

Attorney General Statement

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta said:

“This groundbreaking lawsuit shows that our office is not bound by the old playbook. These defendants’ conduct enables unlicensed people who are too young or too dangerous to pass firearm background checks to illegally print deadly weapons without a background check and without a trace. This lawsuit underscores just how dangerous the ghost gun industry is and how much harm its skip‑the‑background‑check business model has done to California’s communities.”