“Senator Blumenthal Exposes Gun Industry’s Secret Data Harvesting: What You Need to Know”
Senator Richard Blumenthal has raised concerns about the gun industry’s covert program of harvesting personal information from firearm owners for political purposes. In a letter to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Blumenthal questioned the legality of this program, which involved firearms manufacturers sharing sensitive customer information with political operatives without customer knowledge or consent.
According to a ProPublica investigation, iconic gunmakers such as Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Remington participated in this data sharing program. The information collected, including names, addresses, and other private data, was used to rally gun owners’ electoral support for industry-backed candidates running for office.
Blumenthal, who chairs a Senate subcommittee on privacy, has given the NSSF a deadline to answer questions about the program, including which companies contributed information, the type of customer details shared, and whether the data is still being used. He expressed concern over the violation of consumer privacy and safety risks posed by the secretive compilation and sharing of private information.
The data initially came from warranty cards filled out by gun owners and returned to manufacturers for rebates and repair programs. Violating promises of confidentiality on these cards or failing to disclose the sharing of consumer information may constitute deceptive practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.
The NSSF has defended the data collection, stating that it is legal and within the terms and conditions of the involved entities. However, Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Remington did not respond to requests for comment on the matter.
The NSSF, founded in 1961 and based in Connecticut, represents firearms and ammunition manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. The organization has historically opposed efforts to amass information on gun buyers, citing privacy concerns and the potential for creating a registry of gun purchasers.
The data harvesting program began before the 2000 election and grew to include millions of individuals. The information was used for voter education programs to support industry-preferred political candidates, including George W. Bush and Donald Trump. In 2016, data from the program was shared with Cambridge Analytica, a now-defunct political consulting firm known for its role in Trump’s election victory.
Cambridge combined the gun owners’ data with other sensitive particulars obtained from data brokers to create psychological profiles and tailor political messages to voters based on their personalities. Blumenthal’s concerns highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the handling of consumer information within the gun industry.