Bill would cap secret gag orders on tech firms at 90 days
Passed one chamberH.R. 6048Latest action
Sponsor: Scott Fitzgerald · Representative · WI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: NDO Fairness Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The NDO Fairness Act would limit how long the government can secretly gag tech companies about data requests, generally to 90 days.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 6048 would cap nondisclosure orders that force tech companies to stay silent about government data requests, generally at 90 days, with up to a year allowed in child exploitation cases. Courts would need detailed written findings to justify secrecy, companies could challenge orders in court, and the government would later have to notify affected users and explain the investigation, except in child exploitation or ongoing-case situations. DOJ would also publish an annual public report on these orders, including effects on journalists.
Who does it affect?
Affects everyday internet and email users whose data may be secretly accessed, tech and telecom companies that comply with these orders, and federal prosecutors and judges who seek and approve them.
Why does it matter?
The change would require more justification and oversight before communications data can be secretly investigated, while also creating new reporting and disclosure obligations for the government.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedNov 17, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 14, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.