Protecting Privacy in Purchases Act

What this does

Card networks and payment processors would be barred from tagging purchases at gun stores with a code that marks them as firearms sellers. The bill prohibits a payment card network from requiring, and any covered payment processor from assigning, a merchant category code that is used only or primarily for firearms retailers or that identifies a retailer as engaged in selling firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, or firearm components. The Attorney General enforces it: within 90 days of enactment the Attorney General must set up a complaint process, investigate complaints, and on finding a violation send written notice requiring the network or processor to fix it within 30 days, after which the Attorney General may seek a federal court injunction. The bill creates no private right of action and preempts any state or local law regulating firearm retailer merchant category codes. It does not stop a network or processor from complying with laws on dispute processing, fraud, compliance management, data breaches, or transaction integrity. The Attorney General must report to Congress each year on the number and disposition of investigations.