The Reader Privacy Act is a newly proposed legislation aimed at enhancing the privacy protections for users of book services, which include the rental, purchase, borrowing, browsing, or viewing of books in various formats. The bill establishes that personal information of users cannot be disclosed by providers to law enforcement or government entities except under specific circumstances: when the user consents, when a subpoena or court order is presented, or when a government entity requires disclosure for reimbursement related to educational book purchases made with financial aid. This act extends similar confidentiality protections already in place for library records to users of book services.

Additionally, the bill allows for the immediate disclosure of personal information by providers to law enforcement if there is an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury, and there is not enough time to obtain a subpoena or court order. In such cases, the law enforcement entity must provide written confirmation of their claims within seven days. The act aims to safeguard the privacy of readers and purchasers of books and e-books, ensuring that their personal information remains protected from unwarranted disclosure.