Gun Industry Accused of Secretly Profiling Millions of Gun Owners for Political Gain

Breaking News: Gun Industry Accused of Exploiting Firearm Owners' Data A federal court complaint filed on Monday alleges that the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the gun industry's largest trade group, has been violating the privacy rights of millions of gun owners by sending their personal information to political operatives without consent. Timeline: The lawsuit mirrors a ProPublica investigation that revealed a decades-long secret program operated by NSSF. The complaint was filed on September 23, 2025, in a federal court in Washington D.C. Immediate Impact and Response: The lawsuit has sparked immediate concern among gun owners and advocacy groups, who are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the gun industry. "This is a clear example of how the gun industry is exploiting its customers' trust," said Sarah Brady, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. Background Context: NSSF's secret program, which began in the 1990s, allowed the organization to collect and share personal data from gun owners with political operatives. The data included names, addresses, and voting histories. ProPublica's investigation found that this information was used to influence gun policy and sway elections. What Happens Next: The lawsuit seeks damages for millions of gun owners whose privacy rights were allegedly violated. NSSF has not commented on the allegations, but the organization has stated that it will vigorously defend itself against the claims. The case is expected to have significant implications for the gun industry's relationship with its customers and the way data is collected and shared in the future. Implications: This lawsuit highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the collection and use of personal data by industries, particularly those that operate in sensitive areas like firearms. As technology continues to advance, it is essential that companies prioritize their customers' privacy rights and obtain explicit consent before sharing their information with third parties. Sources: ProPublica investigation: "Without Knowledge or Consent: Inside the Secret Gun Industry Project to Change America" Federal court complaint filed on September 23, 2025 Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence statement *This story is developing. Information compiled from Propublica reporting.*