Cody Wilson Develops Tool to Bypass Gun-Blocking Software for 3D Printers
Cody Wilson, the creator of the first 3D-printed gun and founder of Defense Distributed, has developed a tool called 'Hochulization' designed to circumvent government-mandated software that blocks 3D printers from manufacturing firearms. The tool alters file hashes used by detection systems without affecting functionality, allowing users to potentially bypass restrictions on printing guns or components like suppressors. The move comes in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul's law requiring gun-blocking software on new 3D printers. Wilson views the technology as a form of self-defense against what he calls invasive digital surveillance. He plans to apply 'Hochulization' by default to all files hosted on his company’s DEFCAD platform, which contains over 200,000 open-source gun-related designs. The development highlights growing tensions between regulators seeking to control the spread of untraceable ghost guns and individuals or groups pushing back through technological workarounds. While concerns about digital surveillance have drawn broader opposition from makers and rights advocates beyond just Second Amendment supporters, 3D-printed firearms remain a relatively small but rising threat compared to traditional weapons.
Topics: 3D printing gun control open-source technology software subversion