In less than 30 days, the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by tech billionaire Elon Musk in an advisory role, has triggered 12 privacy lawsuits and concerns across 6 federal agencies. Tasked with cutting government costs and eliminating waste, DOGE’s actions have ignited widespread outrage over potential violations of American data privacy rights.
The department’s sweeping authority to access sensitive federal data—including Social Security numbers, medical records, and even incarceration history—has led to allegations that DOGE is violating the Privacy Act of 1974. Critics argue that the department’s access to this information is not only unlawful but could also expose millions of Americans to data breaches and misuse.
What Is DOGE Doing With Your Data?
DOGE’s executive order allows it “full and prompt access to all unclassified agency records, software systems, and IT systems” to streamline federal operations and identify areas for budget cuts. However, the type of information DOGE is seeking raises serious concerns, including:
- Legal names
- Social Security Numbers
- Citizenship status
- Incarceration records
- Medical and family history
- Income and tax information
The controversy deepened when reports revealed DOGE’s attempt to access the IRS Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), a protected database containing sensitive tax information. Although access has not yet been granted, concerns continue to grow over potential misuse or data breaches.
Is DOGE Breaking the Law?
Under the Privacy Act of 1974, federal agencies must obtain consent before sharing personal data unless the information is used for specific purposes, such as law enforcement. DOGE’s mass data collection efforts appear to sidestep this requirement, and many argue that its intended use of the information is unrelated to the reasons it was originally gathered.
In addition to privacy violations, concerns have arisen over the department’s staffing practices:
- Inexperienced recruits from online platforms like Discord reportedly have access to sensitive federal data.
- Edward Coristine, a 19-year-old alleged to have connections to cybercrime communities, has reportedly been granted advisory access to systems belonging to the State Department and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Why This Matters: Your Data at Risk
While tools like VPNs and password managers can protect personal devices, they cannot safeguard sensitive information stored in federal databases. If DOGE mishandles this data or if its systems are breached, millions of Americans could be exposed to:
- Identity theft
- Phishing scams
- Financial fraud
- Blackmail attempts
The lack of transparency about DOGE’s data handling procedures, storage security, and employee vetting raises the possibility of a significant national security breach.
Legal Backlash: 12 Lawsuits and Counting
Civil liberties groups have already launched legal actions against DOGE’s actions:
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): Filed a lawsuit against DOGE’s access to the Office of Personnel Management data, citing massive potential for misuse.
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): Submitted Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to over 40 federal agencies to investigate DOGE’s data practices.
- 14 State Attorneys General: Filed a joint lawsuit to block DOGE’s access to data from the Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Energy, Transportation, and Commerce.
Despite growing opposition, a judge rejected an early lawsuit, claiming the states had not demonstrated the need for an immediate restraining order.
Musk’s Role and Trump’s Approval
Although Elon Musk is officially listed as a “senior advisor” with no formal authority, critics argue that his influence over DOGE is significant. Given his prior privacy controversies—such as concerns over X’s user data being used to train AI models—his involvement raises ethical questions about data handling.
Furthermore, despite past opposition to foreign data collection (e.g., efforts to ban TikTok), President Donald Trump has shown strong support for DOGE’s actions, leaving many wondering about the administration’s real stance on American data privacy.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Data?
Unfortunately, individual Americans have limited ability to block DOGE’s access to their federal data. However, you can take steps to mitigate the risk of misuse:
- Be vigilant for phishing attempts: Watch for suspicious emails or messages requesting personal information.
- Monitor your credit reports: Use services like Credit Karma or Experian to detect identity theft early.
- Consider identity theft protection: VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer dark web monitoring and recovery assistance if your data is compromised.
The Bigger Picture: A Shift in U.S. Data Privacy?
DOGE’s broad data access powers represent a significant shift in U.S. data privacy norms, raising concerns about how far the federal government is willing to go in the name of efficiency. With lawsuits mounting and public opposition growing, DOGE’s future—and the privacy of millions of Americans—hangs in the balance.
