Bill targets fraudulent firearms, ammunition sales

Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced a measure they said is designed to make it illegal to fraudulently sell firearms and ammunition online by circumventing technology companies’ terms of service.

The Stop Online Fraudulent Sales of Firearms Act is part of a larger effort to stop gun violence.

“While some technology companies have banned selling firearms and ammunition on their websites, the problem persists,” Feinstein said. “Our bill would make it illegal for gun sellers to circumvent websites’ terms of service and continue the underground proliferation of firearms.”

Authorities indicated some technology companies have banned selling firearms and ammunition on their platforms but acknowledged sellers use misrepresented guns as other items to circumvent those restrictions.

“The fact is, no matter how many times big tech companies claim they’re cracking down on illegal online firearm sales, determined gun sellers and buyers find new ways to get around it,” Menendez said. “With this bill, we are making very clear to gun sellers who are caught illegally moving their weapons online: if you make the sale, you will pay the price.”

John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, said stopping illegal sales would save lives – noting the organization applauds the lawmakers for the legislation.