The National Rifle Association is warning that blogs, videos, and Internet forums with gun-related content could be shut down under new rules proposed by the State Department, which would amount to a "planned gag order on firearm-related speech."
The State Department issued a proposed update to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which among other things, regulates "technical data" about firearms or ammunition, such as instructions for particular firearms.
According to the NRA, ITAR, which began before the Internet, does not currently "regulate technical data that are in what the regulations call the 'public domain.'"
The pro-second amendment group explains that "many have read this provision to include material that is posted on publicly available websites, since most public libraries these days make Internet access available to their patrons."
According to the proposed update to the regulation by the State Department, "one must seek and receive a license or other authorization from the Department or other cognizant U.S. government authority to release ITAR controlled 'technical data.'"
However, the State Department says that the proposed ITAR requirements "are not new. Rather, they are a more explicit statement of the ITAR's requirement."
The State Department explains that the rule applies to "technical data" that may be disseminated at a public conference, trade show, in a book, in a journal article or on the internet."
"Persons who intend to discuss 'technical data' at a conference or trade show, or to publish it, must ensure that they obtain the appropriate authorization," the ITAR proposal goes on to explain.
According to the NRA, there are severe penalties if these provisions are violated, which "could include up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million."
These proposals, the NRA argues, "would institute a massive new prior restraint on free speech."
The gun group argues that "gunsmiths, manufacturers, reloaders, and do-it-yourselfers could all find themselves muzzled under the rule and unable to distribute or obtain the information they rely on to conduct these activities."
The proposed ITAR rule changes are open for public comment until Aug. 3.
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