The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in favor of federal regulations aimed at curbing the spread of untraceable "ghost guns," finding the measure consistent with the Gun Control Act of 1968. The 7-2 decision, authored by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, overturned a lower court ruling that had deemed the Biden administration’s 2022 rule an overreach by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Ghost guns—firearms assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts—lack serial numbers and can be acquired without background checks, making them particularly appealing to individuals barred from purchasing conventional firearms. The regulation requires manufacturers of these kits to obtain licenses, conduct background checks, and engrave serial numbers on key components, ensuring they are treated the same as traditional firearms under federal law.

Gun safety advocates praised the ruling, calling it a crucial step toward reducing gun violence. “This is a victory for public safety and a rejection of the gun lobby’s extreme agenda,” said Eric Tirschwell, executive director of Everytown Law.

Opposition to the rule came from firearm parts manufacturers, gun rights organizations, and individual gun owners, who challenged the regulation in Texas. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, with Thomas arguing that the court had wrongly endorsed government overreach.

Despite its conservative majority, the Supreme Court has demonstrated a willingness to uphold certain gun restrictions. While expanding Second Amendment rights in past rulings, the court has also upheld laws preventing firearm possession by individuals under domestic violence restraining orders.

In his opinion, Gorsuch acknowledged that technological advancements, including 3D printing, have transformed firearm production, making it easier for individuals to construct fully functional weapons at home. He noted that Congress enacted the Gun Control Act in response to concerns over untraceable firearms following the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

With this ruling, the Biden administration secures a legal victory in its broader efforts to regulate firearms and address gun violence in the U.S.