Thingiverse — a repository for user-created 3D meshes that can be fed to a 3D printer — has just had its first (?) bong design uploaded, raising the question: if it's illegal in some jurisdictions to own or sell a bong, will it become illegal to own or sell the 3D design for printing a bong on your desktop 3D fab?

A note on the bong: MakerBong is a modular bong design that allows the smoker to design her own bong out of interlocking pieces, print them, and assemble to her satisfaction.

When we're in a world where we can (relatively) instantly produce any object ourselves, is it the actual object that counts or the design? We like to think that's the case for run-of-the-mill objects, since it's not the printing goop that's important; goop becomes commodity and the design rules. Will our repositories be searched for the presence of "illegal objects"? Will repository operators ask submitters to delete suspected items for fear of the authorities? Will questionable content migrate from public repositories into private libraries run by secret cabals?

Up Against the Wall and Spread Your Legs!

(via Futurismic)