DOGE Access to Sensitive Personal Data Sparks Privacy, Legal, and Security Concerns

 

A major controversy has erupted in the United States over access to sensitive personal information and government records by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — a Trump-era administrative unit initiated with involvement from Elon Musk. Recent court filings and official admissions have revealed that DOGE staffers had access to highly sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data and other personal records, triggering legal challenges, privacy concerns, and bipartisan criticism.

Critics argue that the extent, oversight, and use of this data may violate privacy laws and risk exposing personal information belonging to millions of Americans. Supporters say transparency and efficiency in government operations are vital, but the unfolding situation has raised profound questions about privacy, cybersecurity, and accountability.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was established through executive action to streamline government operations, reduce waste, and improve bureaucratic performance across federal agencies. However, its scope expanded rapidly as it sought access to a range of government systems, including payroll, benefit records, and internal databases across federal departments — from the Social Security Administration to the Treasury and FEMA.

While proponents framed DOGE as an innovation in governance, opponents warned that its access to personal and sensitive data could undermine privacy protections established under law — particularly the Privacy Act of 1974, which governs how federal agencies collect and manage personal information.

Recent Revelations: Access and Sharing of Social Security Data

In a significant development, the U.S. Department of Justice made a court filing confirming that DOGE staffers accessed sensitive Social Security data — contradicting earlier government claims that such access never took place. According to the filing, employees used an unauthorized third-party server (Cloudflare) to transmit Social Security information, raising urgent privacy and legal concerns.

While it remains unclear exactly how much data was shared or how it was used, the fact that the SSA initially denied DOGE access — only to later admit it — has drawn bipartisan criticism and intensified calls for accountability. Allegations include unauthorized communications with a political advocacy group attempting to cross-reference Social Security data with voter rolls in an effort to contest election results in certain states.

Lawmakers and privacy advocates have responded with alarm. Representatives such as John Larson and Richard Neal condemned the mishandling of sensitive information and urged investigations and potential legal consequences for violations of federal privacy laws.

Legal Battles and Privacy Lawsuits

Multiple lawsuits have been filed challenging DOGE’s access to sensitive government data. These involve claims that the unit violated the Privacy Act of 1974, as well as other cybersecurity and civil liberties protections. One lawsuit continues in federal court seeking to block the Office of Personnel Management and DOGE from disclosing private data of federal employees and benefit recipients.

In addition, 19 state attorneys general have sued to stop DOGE from accessing Treasury Department records, which contain details such as Social Security numbers and bank account information.

Judges have issued temporary orders limiting access to certain systems, including Treasury’s payment database, while litigation proceeds.

These judicial actions reflect widespread unease about the legal authority under which DOGE has operated and whether proper oversight and safeguards were in place before granting such broad data access.

Privacy and Security Risks Highlighted by Experts

Cybersecurity experts have emphasized the severe risks associated with such extensive data access. Uncontrolled exposure of identifiers such as Social Security numbers, employment records, tax information, biometric data, and financial details can lead to:

• Identity theft and fraud

• Unauthorized surveillance

• Targeted phishing and cyberattacks

• Loss of trust in government digital systems

An internal SSA risk assessment had previously warned of potential data breach “catastrophic adverse effects,” estimating the risk of a major breach between 35% and 65% if the systems were not properly secured.

Experts also noted that DOGE staffers were operating digital systems with insufficient oversight, leaving critical infrastructure vulnerable to exploitation and unauthorized access.