The future is not so safe. The intersection of policy and innovation

With this week's theme of the future of social innovation, I want to address the future concerns of innovating in an undefined space. 3D printing is being recognized as one of the prevailing technologies of this decade, and maybe century. With the ability to construct virtually any consumer product in ones basement will inevitably disrupt the manufacturing industry. Furthermore, 3D printing brings the ability for consumers to innovate in their garage, and become inventors of the next big thing.
A recent Economist article titled "Solid Print: Making things with 3D printing changes the rules of manufacturing," discusses how 3D printing is quickly being adopted in the household. The article goes on to state:

http://www.economist.com/node/21552892

"The new range is not just about printing things, says Abe Reichental, 3D Systems' chief executive. It is also about simplifying the process of making products and letting people use the power of the web to share ideas."

The future of 3D printing, however, has its consequences. After reading an article in the NY Times titled "Disruptions: With a 3-D Printer, Building a Gun With the Push of a Button," highlights how 3D printing of guns is already occurring.  Individuals are easily able to download the renderings of a lethal handgun and replicate it in the comforts of their home.  Furthermore, these guns are not registered and ammunition can be obtained over the internet without a license.  With over 30,000 deaths annually as a result of guns in the United States alone, this poses a substantial policy problem. How should policymakers decide to regulate innovative technologies with regards to 3D printers has yet to be understood. Here is an astonishing quote from the article: 

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/10/07/with-a-3-d-printer-building-a-gun-at-home/

"Given the number of existing loopholes and the ease with which people can buy firearms on the Internet, people printing guns might seem like adding a drop of water to an Olympic-size swimming pool. According to an annual report released by the A.T.F., more than 5.5 million guns are made in the United States each year, and millions more are imported."

By utilizing plastic found in lego pieces, individuals are able to manufacture parts to a gun, and legally purchase other gun accessories online.  The good news is that current technology makes it difficult to manufacture plastic strong enough to withstand the firepower of a handgun or rifle. However, it is only a matter of time before technology can keep up with this demand.  

The National Rifle Association has yet to comment on the 3D printing of weapons, but it is an issue that will need to be addressed in the near future.  It is in their best interest to protect the second amendment, but how many more people need to die through illegally purchased firearms before policy reform?

Another article I came across yesterday discusses this very issue. "Will the Guys with the [Printed] Guns Make the Rules" discusses how a University of Texas Law Student, Cody Wilson, freely distributed plans of how to manufacture a 3D gun on regular 3D printers. Here is a picture of Cody with his 3D printed AK-47:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-horwitz/will-the-guys-with-the-pr_b_1953692.html

If Cody Wilson gets his way, it will be easy for any person to print their own deadly weapon in the comfort of their home, without anyone knowing about it. Policy needs to be changed immediately so that this catastrophe does not happen.