Because the is hosted behind a geofenced paywall with user attestation (US users only, theoretically), DEFCAD argues it is not "published" to foreign nationals, thus skirting ITAR. Critics call this a loophole; supporters call it compliance.

The public side of DefCAD functions similarly to other repositories but with a focus on Second Amendment rights. It hosts user-uploaded content that is generally legally clear to share (e.g., open-source hardware, lower receivers, magazines).

Here is the informative story of how DefCad became one of the most controversial repositories on the internet.

: The platform uses geofencing to block international IP addresses, preventing unauthorized exports of controlled technical data.

Access to this repository requires an active subscription, commonly known as DEFCAD Plus or DEFCAD Prime. Membership starts at a nominal monthly fee, but for serious hobbyists, gunsmiths, and engineers, the cost is often justified by the repository's unique content.