CA, US · AI law tracker
AB 2047 — CA, US
AB 2047 is an AI governance policy paper from CA, currently introduced. California's A.B. 2047 would mandate "censorware" on 3D printers and criminalize disabling these mandated algorithms [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2026-04-13.
Status & timeline
- Regulatory stage
- introduced
- Bill status
- introduced
- Authority / governing body
- Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Chamber
- assembly
- Document type
- policy paper
Next deadline: No fixed deadline — the bill is currently proposed legislation.
Subscriber only
Full obligation matrix
| Actor | Obligation | Deadline | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| provider | Mandate censorware (algorithmic print-blocking software) on all 3D printers sold or deployed. | — | — |
| provider | Implement print-blocking algorithms that cannot be disabled, deactivated, or circumvented by users. | — | — |
| user | Refrain from disabling, deactivating, or circumventing mandated print-blocking algorithms (violation is a misdemeanor). | — | — |
| user | Refrain from using third-party, open-source 3D printer firmware (implied criminalization). | — | — |
Subscriber only
Enforcement risk score
Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.
Subscriber only
Role-based compliance checklist
- product_manager Assess technical feasibility and cost of integrating mandated print-blocking algorithms into 3D printer firmware.
- general_counsel Review the proposed bill (A.B. 2047) for specific compliance requirements and potential legal liabilities.
- engineering Evaluate impact on existing open-source firmware compatibility and potential for platform lock-in for 3D printers.
- compliance_officer Develop a strategy for obtaining state approval for print-blocking solutions, if required by the bill.
- board_director Consider strategic implications of potential market changes, increased barriers to entry, and reduced consumer choice due to the proposed legislation.
Subscriber only
Vendor impact assessment
- Vendor risk class
- critical
- Procurement categories
- infrastructure, other
Vendors of 3D printing equipment in California would be obligated to integrate and maintain censorware, while also ensuring users cannot disable it. This significantly impacts product design, market access, and customer support, potentially criminalizing current user practices.
Sample vendor questions
- How does your 3D printer firmware comply with California A.B. 2047's requirements for print-blocking algorithms?
- What measures prevent users from disabling or circumventing these algorithms, and what are the implications for using open-source firmware?
- Are there any licensing fees or proprietary consumables required to maintain compliance with mandated print-blocking systems?
- How do you ensure continued compliance and updates for print-blocking features throughout the device's lifecycle?
- What are the implications for product resale or the use of third-party repair services given these restrictions?
Intelligence briefs (1)
California Bill Mandates 3D Printer Censorware, Criminalizing User Control
California's A.B. 2047 would mandate "censorware" on 3D printers and criminalize disabling these mandated algorithms [1].
This proposes a unique instance of mandated algorithmic control over physical device functionality, shaping future regulatory precedents for user autonomy and digital rights.
Deadline: No fixed deadline — the bill is currently proposed legislation.
Primary source →Frequently asked questions
- What is AB 2047?
- California's A.B. 2047 proposes to mandate "censorware" on all 3D printers and criminalize the use of open-source alternatives [1]. This legislation is presented as a measure to address "ghost guns" but is argued to introduce significant risks, including harming innovation, reducing consumer choice, and enabling anti-consumer practices akin to Digital Rights Management [2]. The bill focuses on algorithmic print-blocking technology. Primary source →
- Why does AB 2047 matter?
- This proposes a unique instance of mandated algorithmic control over physical device functionality, shaping future regulatory precedents for user autonomy and digital rights. Primary source →
- Who does AB 2047 affect?
- This development primarily impacts manufacturers and retailers of 3D printers operating in California, potentially forcing integration of "algorithmic print-blocking" technology into their products. It also affects individual consumers and open-source developers who use 3D printers, particularly those who modify device firmware or seek alternatives to proprietary systems. The scope includes any device capable of 3D printing, with significant implications for innovation within the state's technology sector. Primary source →
- What are the key dates for AB 2047?
- No fixed deadline — the bill is currently proposed legislation. Primary source →
- What is the current status of AB 2047?
- As of the last published update, AB 2047 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced". Primary source →
- Where can I find the primary source for AB 2047?
- The primary source for the most recent update is at https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/04/dangers-californias-legislation-censor-3d-printing. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →
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