In late September 2022, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced the creation of a Merchant Category Code (MCC) for firearms. Prior to the announcement, firearms were lumped into the MCC for general merchandise. Gun control advocates lauded the move.

Everytown for Gun Safety President John Feinblatt said the move "is a critical first step toward giving banks and credit card companies the tools they need to recognize dangerous firearm purchasing trends." Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts agreed, saying that the MCC can help banks and financial institutions "track suspicious and potentially illegal gun purchases."

The measure did not gain ground with Americans in the federal capital, however.

A poll by FOX 5 that asked if they agree with credit card companies tracking gun sales found that three in four respondents said no to the measure. This came as a surprise as Washington, D.C. is known for having the most stringent gun laws in the nation and overwhelmingly supporting politicians who back gun control.

It's all about tracking Americans

National Shooting Sports Federation Senior Vice President and General Counsel Larry Keane put in his two cents on the FOX 5 poll.