Back in June, we reported on a recent proposed rule change to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which, according to the Federal Register website would:
…amend the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to update the definitions of “defense article,” “defense services,” “technical data,” “public domain,” “export,” and “reexport or retransfer” in order to clarify the scope of activities and information that are covered within these definitions and harmonize the definitions with the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), to the extent appropriate.
This rule change would expand the definition of what digital information could be classified as ITAR restricted, including but certainty not limited to the firearms industry.
One aspect of these proposed changes that was implied but not blatantly addressed is the restriction it could place on 3D printed firearms and components. Technical data including “blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, instructions or documentation.” would become restricted from “export”, or being published on the internet, which includes 3D printer files for firearms and components. We’ve already seen a restriction on 3D firearms plans when Defense Distributed was told to remove the plans for the Liberator Pistol from their website.
But what can I do?
You can comment. This rule change hasn’t taken effect yet and you can let the Federal Government know how you feel about this proposal by providing feedback.
If you are going to do so, we suggest these pointers:
We suggest you use your own voice, keep it civil, direct and to the point, and use proper grammar to be most effective. Do not use a form letter. They carry less weight than individualized comments.
ITAR another tool of Big Brother to circumvent the Second Amendment and now the First.
I will send a comment, but now now cause it would not be civil! My fingers would have a mind of their own at this moment.
Civility is bestowed upon civil people. Direct honesty is warranted by dishonorable people.
Breaking an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution is deserving of chastisement.
I am not a US Citizen so I really hope changes in ITAR don’t affect knowledge and expertise sharing around the Internet. I wouldn’t like to miss the right information.
Iam also not a US citizen, iam from Germany and a really hope that his will not become reallity. I would miss all the videos and facebook stuff that i read every day to get inform.
can non US citizen also help?
I don’t think that would be prudent at this point.
Commented and wrote my Congress-critters about it.
Guns aside (though that is a huge part of this), this can have a huge negative effect on a number of industries.
KMFDM had this song called New American Century.
It was meant to be critical of Bush but danged if it doesn’t become more relevant under this administration.
This ITAR redefinition is beyond unrealistic and strategically immature.
Unless you could magically turn off the internet(you can’t) and track down every single person(you realistically can’t); there is no feasible way of definitively ceasing access to this most basic of info.
This is just a way to stymie message boards and forums to prevent organization against gun bans and gun legislation.
And…heh heh…I think the attempt is rather cute even if blatantly unconstitutional
I have worked for the U.S. government since 1987. Unfortunately we have morphed into a socialist utopia based on more theory than reality. Too many in our government today want to take away individual freedoms and liberty because they want those they rule over to be weak and dependent. Like many former free nations we too are slipping into despotism.
I oppose this ITAR is blatantly against the Constitution and a direct violation of the 1st Amendment. Also as a retired service member, a slap in the face for those of us who have sacrificed, and made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold and protect the Constitution. Next it will be online gunsmithing classes, magazines, movies, training videos, YouTube videos, also some people this is their way of life.