U.S. judge restricts Musk’s DOGE from accessing Americans’ social security data
A U.S. federal judge has ruled to limit Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal social security data, following concerns over privacy violations and unchecked authority.
District Judge Ellen Hollander on Thursday issued an order prohibiting DOGE staff from retrieving sensitive information including Social Security numbers, medical histories, and banking details unless the data is anonymized and the employees involved pass federal background checks and privacy training.
The ruling comes after a lawsuit by unions, who accused the Social Security Administration (SSA) of exposing millions of Americans to privacy risks by granting unauthorized access to DOGE staff. The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) hailed the decision as a critical safeguard.
“Today’s decision provides significant relief and is essential in halting DOGE’s unlawful and dangerous overreach,” the union said in a statement.
In addition, DOGE is ordered to delete any unredacted data in its possession since President Donald Trump took office in January. Any future requests for identifiable Social Security information must receive court approval, and vague justifications like “searching for fraud or waste” will not be sufficient.
The legal challenge also follows the resignation of SSA chief Michelle King in February, reportedly triggered by mounting pressure from DOGE to share beneficiary records.
DOGE, a controversial agency spearheaded by Musk, has faced scrutiny over its ambiguous legal standing and the influence of an unelected billionaire in reshaping government operations with little oversight.
