Re:The Tiny Ultrabright Laser That Can Melt Steel
by kwhitefoot on Monday April 15, 2024 @12:07PM
(#40042392)
Same in Norway, in 2015. Anything above 1mW is forbidden in practice although the law leaves the actual limit and exceptions to the regulating authority.
Re:The Tiny Ultrabright Laser That Can Melt Steel
by Domenic_S on Monday April 15, 2024 @12:42PM
(#40042857)
What keeps someone from driving across the border to acquire one, or ordering on ebay, or getting one at a sketchy shop? "Some idiot" is exactly the kind of person that would ignore the law.
I mean it seems like a fine law, but it's a law so now I never have to think about it again seems strange to me. Running stop signs is outlawed but I still look before I cross the street.
Re:The Tiny Ultrabright Laser That Can Melt Steel
by sschueller on Monday April 15, 2024 @01:03PM
(#40043073)
It doesn't stop anyone. But packages are randomly checked and so are cars going over the border.
Same goes for guns. Someone can aquire one illegally but fines are high and there is no impulsive purchase at the next Kiosk so circulation is low and you aren't going to get "lasered" by 20+ green lasers at some event.
Anything more powerful than a low end projector pointer is now classified as a weapon and regulated as such.
This at least keeps these units out of the hands of the general public and those that can't use them responsibly.
It sucks for those of us who used them responsibly just like we did with RC aircraft before drones became an item on a discount shelve. However at least I know that if I go to a large event or even a demo I won't be permanently blinded by some idiot.