Summary

Changes rules for government "nondisclosure" orders (gag orders) tied to electronic communications or remote computing service providers when the government seeks customer data without immediate notice. It requires the government to state whether the target knows about the process and whether they are suspected of the crime, limits how long a provider can be barred from notifying others (longer for child-sexual offenses, shorter for others), and forces courts to make written, specific findings showing that secrecy is necessary and narrowly tailored before issuing or extending an order. The bill also bars courts from ordering providers to tell the court or government when a nondisclosure order expires.

• Allows governments to seek court nondisclosure orders for provider notices tied to warrants/subpoenas under 18 U.S.C. § 2703.
• Requires the applicant to state whether the customer knows about the process and whether the customer is suspected of the crime.
• Limits nondisclosure orders to up to 1 year for child-sex offenses and up to 90 days for other investigations.
• Bans orders that require providers to notify the court or government when a nondisclosure order expires.
• Forces courts to issue written, specific findings of fact and conclusions of law before granting or extending nondisclosure orders.
• Mandates courts find orders are narrowly tailored and that no less-restrictive alternative (including notice to target/counsel) is available.
• Requires the court to review the underlying warrant, order, or subpoena when deciding nondisclosure requests.
• Permits judges to consider the nature of the offense and other factors when evaluating secrecy requests.
• Does not include funding provisions or a specified effective date in the provided text.