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BBC Trending: Print and shoot - The spread of 3D-printed guns

BBC Trending: Print and shoot - The spread of 3D-printed guns

How the technology to print your own lethal weapon is promoted on social media

The Documentary Podcast · BBC World Service

May 28, 202519m 53s

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Show Notes

A growing number of incidents have highlighted the dangers of 3D-printed ‘ghost guns’, untraceable firearms that can be assembled at home with the help of a 3D printer and a set of blueprints. Since the first design appeared in 2013, 3D-printed gun technology has advanced rapidly. Some models can now fire hundreds or thousands of rounds without their plastic components failing. Although these weapons are illegal in many jurisdictions, designs, parts, and blueprints continue to spread on social media. We explore the growing popularity of 3D-printed weapons online.