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Court Blocks DOGE's Access to Social Security Data Over Privacy Concerns

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order limiting DOGE's access to sensitive Social Security records, citing a lack of justification and potential privacy violations.

Elon Musk flashes his t-shirt that reads "DOGE" to the media as he walks on South Lawn of the White House, in Washington, Sunday, March 9, 2025.
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The US Social Security Administration headquarters in Woodlawn, Maryland, US, on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025. The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration and her top deputy have left following a confrontation with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency team over access to data on 70 million beneficiaries, according to people familiar with the moves. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg

Overview

  • Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander ordered DOGE to delete any non-anonymized data obtained from the Social Security Administration and barred the installation of software on its systems.
  • The restraining order allows DOGE limited access to anonymized data, contingent on proper training and background checks for its representatives.
  • The court criticized DOGE's efforts as a 'fishing expedition' without concrete evidence of fraud, describing its methods as overly intrusive and unjustified.
  • The lawsuit was brought by unions and advocacy groups who argued that DOGE's actions violated privacy laws and endangered sensitive personal information.
  • SSA Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek initially suggested shutting down SSA operations but later clarified compliance with the court's order following judicial guidance.