California gun owner personal data exposure more extensive than previously known

FRESNO, Calif. -- The California Department of Justice confirmed on Wednesday that the personal information of those who were granted or denied a concealed and carry weapons (CCW) permit was exposed.

That information includes names, date of birth, gender, race, driver's license number, addresses, and criminal history of those who were granted or denied a permit from 2011 through 2021.

However, Social Security numbers or any financial information was not exposed, according to the State DoJ.

On Wednesday, it was revealed that the exposures also extended to the Assault Weapon Registry, Handguns Certified for Sale, Dealer Record of Sale, Firearm Certificate Safety, and Gun Violence Restraining Order dashboards.

"This unauthorized release of personal information is unacceptable and falls far short of my expectations for this department," said Attorney General Rob Bonta.

Bonta has launched an investigation into the data breach.

The DOJ shut down parts of its website once it learned about the breach.

"It's concerning anytime information that specific is released to the public," says Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims. "Of course, what we tell the public all the time is to protect your personal information."

Mims says it's also important for these gun owners to make sure their home is secure since home addresses were part of the breach.

The Fresno County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone who learns their identity was compromised in this data breach to report online here.