Federal Judge Limits DOGE's Access to Social Security Data Amid Privacy Concerns
A federal judge in Baltimore has issued a preliminary injunction that significantly restricts the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to Social Security data, citing privacy concerns.
U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, appointed by former President Obama, ruled that DOGE-affiliated staff must delete any non-anonymized Social Security data obtained since January 20 and are prohibited from altering or installing software related to the Social Security Administration’s systems. The injunction, however, permits DOGE employees to access redacted data after undergoing necessary training and background checks. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by labor unions and retirees, who argue that DOGE’s actions breach privacy laws and pose significant security risks. The case highlights a tension between the government’s efforts to combat fraud and the protection of personal data, with Judge Hollander emphasizing the long-standing expectation of privacy within the Social Security Administration. The ruling has been met with relief by those concerned about the safeguarding of sensitive information, while the Trump administration argues that such restrictions could hinder their anti-fraud initiatives. Led by billionaire Elon Musk, DOGE’s approach to accessing government data continues to face legal scrutiny, with this case being one of several challenging the department’s methods.