Names, dates of birth, gender, race, driver’s license numbers, addresses, and criminal histories were exposed online from applications for conceal carry permits between 2011 and 2021.
The California Department of Justice acknowledged the agency wrongly made public the personal information of perhaps hundreds of thousands of gun owners in up to six state-operated databases. T
Although it’s not clear how the breach happened, the California Rifle and Pistol Association noted that the release came days after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out New York’s requirement that those seeking to carry concealed weapons provide a reason. That also derailed California’s similar requirement, though state lawmakers are working to impose new requirements. The association said the “unconscionable” release included information on law enforcement officials including judges, as well as others who had sought permits “like rape and domestic violence victims.”
The department said social security numbers and financial information were not disclosed.
