A New Lawsuit Alleges the Gun Industry Exploited Firearm Owners Data for Political Gain

Published: Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:15 pm

Law Firms Accuse Gun Industry Lobby of Privacy Violations

Two major law firms have filed a lawsuit against the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), alleging the organization violated the privacy rights of millions of gun owners. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses the NSSF of operating a decades-long program that shared gun owners' personal information with political operatives without their consent.

The complaint, which seeks class-action status and financial damages, is based on a ProPublica investigation that detailed the NSSF's data-sharing practices. The lawsuit highlights the experiences of two gun owners who claim they were unaware their information would be used for political purposes when they filled out warranty cards for firearms. The suit alleges the NSSF enriched itself by exploiting valuable gun buyer information for political gain.

The lawsuit names several gun manufacturers, including Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Remington, as having provided the NSSF with customer data. This data, initially gathered from warranty cards, was compiled into a large database used to rally electoral support for the industry's preferred candidates. The complaint states that the NSSF worked with Cambridge Analytica to enhance the information it had on potential voters.

The NSSF has previously defended its data collection, claiming its activities are legal. However, privacy experts suggest the data sharing may have violated federal and state regulations. Representatives from gun violence prevention groups have called the lawsuit a significant step in holding the gun industry accountable.

BNN's Perspective:

This case raises serious questions about data privacy and the ethical responsibilities of organizations that collect and use personal information. While the NSSF maintains its actions were legal, the allegations of undisclosed data sharing for political purposes are concerning. This case underscores the need for transparency and clear communication regarding how consumer data is used, especially in politically sensitive areas.

Keywords: NSSF, gun owners, privacy, data breach, lawsuit, gun manufacturers, Glock, Smith & Wesson, Remington, Cambridge Analytica, warranty cards, political operatives, data sharing, class action, consumer protection, gun control, data privacy, federal court, ProPublica, Everytown for Gun Safety

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