I need your help in protecting the privacy of Missourians across the state. I have asked Google to remove the Gun Geo Marker app from its Google Play online store. The app invites users to identify and expose the home addresses of gun owners. The app is not available on the Apple iPhone, only Android devices. It was released July 7, 2013, and has created controversy nationwide regarding privacy and Second Amendment rights. I first made the request during a meeting with a representative from Google at my Jefferson City office earlier this month.

Regardless of your position on gun rights or the Second Amendment, this app is a classic example of how our privacy rights are eroding. This clever attack on our Second Amendment rights is dangerous and could be a violation of our civil rights, as well. Any attempt to use technology to randomly identify people with whom you may disagree politically is perilous and extreme. Technology like this could easily be used by individuals to profile Americans by race, political views, and numerous other categories.

While I do thank the Google representative for meeting with me, listening to my concerns, and advancing my request to the Google Policy Team Director, I am told no action will be taken for many weeks. So, I am asking you to reach out to Google and express your concerns about this violation of privacy. Perhaps the will of the people will help resolve this issue.

You can reach Google Play customer service by calling 650-253-0000.

Please help me in trying to stop what I — and many of my constituents — view to be a dangerous practice. We have enough tracking and databases cropping up as it is. We need to teach safety and respect for firearms instead of making law-abiding gun owners out to be criminals.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Thank you.