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World|life|August 1, 2018 / 11:53 AM
US release of 3D-printed gun software blocked

AKIPRESS.COM - A US federal judge in Seattle has blocked the release of software that allows consumers to 3D-print firearms, BBC reports.

Gun access advocacy group Defense Distributed was due to put downloadable gun blueprints online on Wednesday.

The firm reached a settlement with the Trump administration in June to allow it to legally publish the instructions.

But eight states and the District of Columbia sued the government on Monday to block the settlement, arguing the untraceable guns were a safety risk.

US District Judge Robert Lasnik issued a temporary restraining order halting the release hours before the 1 August deadline, saying the blueprints could fall into the wrong hands.

"There are 3D printers in public colleges and public spaces and there is the likelihood of potential irreparable harm," he said.

Judge Lasnik scheduled another hearing for 10 August.

Although Defense Distributed was expected to publicise the plans on Wednesday, more than 1,000 people have downloaded the files for building an AR-15 rifle - the same gun used in many of America's mass shootings - since Friday.

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