Postal Data Privacy Act of 2026

May 29, 2026

Summary

Requires government agencies to get a court order before they can track information on the outside of a person's mail for criminal investigations.

What problem does this solve?

Government agencies can currently track information from the outside of mail without a judge's permission, which could invade people's privacy. This bill requires agencies to get a court order before using a mail cover, protecting citizens' privacy rights.

What does this bill do?

Court order required for mail covers

Prohibits a government entity from using a mail cover unless it first obtains a court order from a court with proper authority.

Sets standard for issuing a court order

Requires the government to show specific facts that there are reasonable grounds to believe the mail cover is relevant and important to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Requires preservation of evidence

Allows a government entity to request that the Chief Postal Inspector preserve records and other evidence for 90 days while a court order is being sought.

Who does this affect?

General public
Law enforcement agencies
U.S. Postal Service

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens privacy protections for mail

Adds a layer of judicial review before the government can monitor the outside of a person's mail. This ensures there is a valid reason for the surveillance, protecting citizens from potential overreach.

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Could slow down criminal investigations

Law enforcement agencies may argue that requiring a court order for mail covers creates an extra step that could delay time-sensitive investigations. This could make it harder to gather initial evidence in some criminal cases.

When does this start?

The requirements would take effect as soon as the bill is signed into law.