Yes, George, that did occur to me too; but, rather than individual data, can't they use aggregate data without identifying anyone by name, in order to make correlations between crime stats and gun ownership stats?
PB, Sure. But, the objective is owner registration for ALL of those involved in the "study".
They have enough data now. All they have to do is check shall carry states with no carry states and vicinities {New York, District of Columbia}, vs, Florida, Virginia and locales that allow carry and ownership. But, this data does not fit the agenda.
If D.C. allows ownership, much crime will move to Maryland. Peace and love, George.