diff --git a/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm b/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
index a58d8a6269..ef462cbc9f 100644
--- a/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
+++ b/code/modules/uplink/uplink_items.dm
@@ -1572,7 +1572,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(uplink_items, subtypesof(/datum/uplink_item))
 /datum/uplink_item/badass/random
 	name = "Random Item"
 	desc = "Picking this will purchase a random item. Useful if you have some TC to spare or if you haven't decided on a strategy yet."
-	item = /obj/item/paper
+	item = /obj/effect/gibspawner/generic // non-tangible item because techwebs use this path to determine illegal tech
 	cost = 0
 	cant_discount = TRUE