REDACT Act

The Recovery, Enforcement, and Damages to Assure Confidential Treatment Act, or REDACT Act, establishes a new private cause of action for individuals whose sensitive personal information is improperly disclosed by the federal government. Specifically, it addresses the failure to withhold or redact personally identifiable information (PII) or personal/medical files of victims when documents are released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Under this bill, any person aggrieved by such a violation may bring a civil action against the United States if the disclosure was made by a federal officer, employee, or agent. Successful plaintiffs can receive substantial relief, including the greater of $50,000 in statutory damages per instance or compensatory damages for pain and suffering, along with attorney's fees and litigation costs. The legislation explicitly waives sovereign immunity for these actions, making it possible to sue the federal government. It also allows for appropriate injunctive or declaratory relief, including preliminary injunctions, to prevent further harm. Claims must be filed within five years of the victim first obtaining actual notice of the violation, and the provisions apply to violations occurring on or after November 19, 2025.