These 5 gun ads are alarming critics, changing laws – By Nick Penzenstadler (USA Today) / Aug 20, 2022
Could gun ads go the way of Joe Camel from the cigarette industry? Gun safety groups say now is the time to restrict content for firearm marketing.
Democrats and gun safety groups have seized on a series of gun advertisements over the last several years that they say represent unfair and deceptive marketing. That means the Federal Trade Commission should play a role in setting guardrails for the industry, they argue.
Groups like Giffords, Brady and March for Our Lives have filed petitions with the FTC; individuals also have lodged complaints about gun ads from companies that produced guns used in mass shootings in Parkland, Florida, and Uvalde, Texas.
In response, the National Shooting Sports Foundation issued a letter to the FTC making the case for the gun industry. Some companies, like Smith & Wesson, outlined new advertising practices they say will ensure ads are directed toward law-abiding adults.
