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4w ago

DOGE Pushes Forward with IRS 'Mega API' Hackathon Despite Mounting Criticism

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency accelerates plans to centralize taxpayer data, raising alarms over privacy, security, and operational risks.

A sign marks the entrance to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) headquarters building on September 15, 2024, in Washington, DC.
A sign outside the IRS headquarters displays the words "Internal Revenue Service Building" and the street address "1111 Constitution Ave."

Overview

  • DOGE is organizing a 'hackathon' to develop a centralized 'mega API' for IRS data, with plans to complete the project in 30 days, a timeline experts call unrealistic.
  • The project aims to move sensitive taxpayer data to a cloud platform, potentially involving third-party provider Palantir, known for its government data work.
  • DOGE has placed senior IRS technologists, including cybersecurity officials, on administrative leave, heightening concerns about data security and operational stability.
  • Privacy advocates and IRS employees warn that the project could expose sensitive financial information and disrupt critical IRS functions during tax season.
  • IRS lawyers previously rejected DOGE's proposal to use taxpayer data for cross-referencing federal benefits, citing violations of privacy laws.