Struggle over Americans’ personal data unfolds across US government

Struggle over Americans’ personal data unfolds across US government

Employees from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are gaining access to vast federal databases, raising security concerns as lawsuits attempt to block them, according to The New York Times.

Data access and agency resistance
Last week, Michelle King, acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), sought to reassure lawmakers that DOGE representatives had not accessed personal data. Days later, Musk’s team requested SSA data, and by Monday, King and her chief of staff were removed. The Trump administration appointed Leland Dudek, a DOGE collaborator, as interim head.

At the IRS, DOGE is pushing for software engineer Gavin Kliger to access 270 million tax returns. Officials have raised concerns about the extent of access required, fearing exposure of sensitive financial data. Deputy White House chief of staff Stephen Miller defended the move as necessary to prevent fraud.
 Legal challenges and security risks 
Privacy advocates argue that DOGE does not need personal data to assess government efficiency. The Center for Taxpayer Rights sued the IRS over DOGE access, while labour unions and state governments have filed lawsuits challenging Trump’s authority to grant such access. Federal judges have blocked DOGE from Treasury Department systems but allowed access in other cases.

Experts warn that improper access to federal databases could make them targets for hackers. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, cautioned that DOGE’s rapid changes could inadvertently weaken system security.

Musk’s business ties raise concerns 
DOGE’s access extends beyond tax and Social Security data. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has vast e-payment data from firms like Venmo and Apple Pay—potential competitors to Musk’s X Money Account. The White House recently ordered the CFPB to share unclassified data with DOGE. Last week, the agency cancelled audit-tracking contracts, eliminating a system that logs data access.

Division among government officials 
While many civil servants oppose DOGE’s growing influence, others support it. Dudek, now SSA’s interim chief, previously posted in favour of DOGE, claiming he bypassed bureaucratic hurdles to assist Musk’s team. He later deleted his LinkedIn account. Trump has nominated Frank Bisignano, a payment processing executive, to lead SSA, pending Senate confirmation.

The growing tension over DOGE’s access highlights a broader struggle over government transparency, data security, and political influence.