Buckeye Reporter

Two years ago, California officials apologized after a leak of private personal information of concealed carry permit holders. The sensitive data included names, dates of birth, gender, race, driver's license numbers, and addresses. It also revealed the type of permit issued, indicating if the holder was a member of law enforcement or a judge.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the leak was "larger than initially reported," with additional data from the Assault Weapon Registry, Handguns Certified for Sale, Dealer Record of Sale, Firearm Safety Certificate, and Gun Violence Restraining Order dashboards also affected. California Attorney General Rob Bonta confirmed this at the time.

Starting July 1, California officials will have more private data on law-abiding gun owners. Credit card tracking codes for gun retailers are being implemented in the state. This development is expected to increase cash sales at sporting goods stores and firearm retailers.

The Associated Press noted that ATM machines are appearing in some firearm stores due to this new measure. California is the first state to implement a merchant category code (MCC) for gun retailers. This initiative has been supported by gun control groups and some media personalities like Andrew Ross Sorkin.

Sorkin proposed cutting off gun purchases by limiting credit card use in 2018. Amalgamated Bank pushed for adopting this code through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Initially supportive banks like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express have paused its implementation due to laws banning its use in 16 states.

In Washington D.C., there are efforts both to enforce and prohibit the MCC's adoption. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren supports it while U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik opposes it.

Visa CEO Al Kelly stated that the code does not work as intended by gun control activists: "If [Visa’s Chief Communications Officer] K.C. Kavanagh goes into a gun store and buys three thermoses and a tent... I don’t know what you bought."

USA Today explained that MCC codes classify businesses but do not identify specific items purchased. Bloomberg News reiterated that payment networks cannot determine if a customer buys a rifle or safety equipment.

Critics argue that implementing the firearm MCC will not effectively track potential criminals and may lead to abuse of data on law-abiding citizens exercising their rights. Previous leaks in California and New York highlight these concerns.

Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) admitted to violating Fourth Amendment rights when collecting credit card purchase histories related to firearms without warrants around January 6, 2020.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has promoted his state's gun control efforts despite criticisms regarding their effectiveness in reducing crime compared to focusing on criminal prosecution.