Gun Owners Demand Investigation Into Firearms Industry’s Secret Data Sharing

Gun Owners for Safety, a group representing responsible firearms owners, has called for a federal investigation into the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) over its secretive collection and sharing of sensitive customer data. This program, which spanned nearly two decades, involved the NSSF obtaining intimate details of gun buyers from major firearms manufacturers and distributors without their knowledge or consent.

The NSSF used this extensive database to support political campaigns and mobilize electoral support for candidates favored by the firearms industry. Notably, in the 2016 election cycle, the NSSF collaborated with Cambridge Analytica to enrich this data with thousands of additional personal details, including income, religious affiliation, and even personal preferences such as women’s underwear sizes.

This covert data sharing has sparked outrage among gun owners, privacy advocates, and lawmakers. Gun Owners for Safety described the NSSF’s actions as “underhanded” and a violation of privacy that transcends political affiliations. Senator Richard Blumenthal has also called for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the need for answers about the scope and legality of the data collection.

Privacy experts warn that the NSSF and participating companies may have violated federal and state laws that prohibit deceptive business practices, as customers were not informed that their personal data would be used for political purposes. The NSSF has defended its activities as legal and within the terms of agreements with manufacturers and data brokers, but has not addressed concerns about transparency and consent.

The implications of this case highlight the broader challenges of data privacy in industries handling sensitive consumer information. It underscores the critical need for clear policies, ethical data management, and regulatory oversight to protect individuals from unauthorized data exploitation.

Key Takeaways

• The NSSF secretly collected and shared gun buyers’ personal data for political purposes over nearly 20 years.
• Major firearms manufacturers like Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Remington contributed customer data without informing buyers.
• The data was used to influence electoral campaigns, including collaboration with Cambridge Analytica in 2016.
• Privacy experts warn of potential legal violations due to lack of transparency and consent.
• The case highlights the urgent need for stronger data privacy protections in sensitive industries.

Broader Significance

This investigation into the firearms industry’s data practices serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of unchecked data collection and political exploitation. It emphasizes the importance of transparency, consumer consent, and regulatory oversight to maintain trust and protect privacy rights. For industries handling sensitive data, adopting robust cybersecurity measures and ethical data governance is essential to prevent misuse and legal repercussions.