A federal judge on Thursday limited the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, from accessing Americans’ personal Social Security data, in a move hailed by unions as a vital check on the unelected billionaire’s powers.
District Judge Ellen Hollander ruled that DOGE employees cannot view any records containing personally identifiable information—including Social Security numbers, medical histories, or banking details. The Social Security Administration (SSA) may only share redacted or anonymised records with DOGE staff who have undergone background checks and privacy training.
“Today’s decision provides significant relief and is essential in halting DOGE’s unlawful and dangerous overreach,” the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) said in a statement.
The ruling follows legal action by unions who alleged that SSA had allowed unauthorised DOGE personnel access to data systems, jeopardising the privacy of millions of Americans. SSA chief Michelle King reportedly resigned in February over DOGE’s push to access recipient data.
The judge also ordered DOGE staff to delete any unredacted Social Security data acquired since President Donald Trump assumed office in January. Any future access to identifiable information will require court approval, and general claims such as “search for fraud or waste” will not suffice.
DOGE, a controversial Musk-led initiative to reduce government spending deemed inefficient or misaligned with Trump-era policies, has come under scrutiny for its unclear legal status and Musk’s unelected role.
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