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Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks DOGE from Accessing Social Security Data

The court cited privacy concerns and criticized the agency’s failure to justify its sweeping access to sensitive personal information.

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

  • U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander issued a 14-day restraining order preventing DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data.
  • The judge described DOGE's actions as a 'fishing expedition' and criticized the lack of evidence supporting the agency's need for unfettered access.
  • DOGE is required to delete any personally identifiable information already obtained and is prohibited from installing new software on SSA systems.
  • The restraining order allows limited access to anonymized or redacted data but mandates proper training and background checks for DOGE staff.
  • The lawsuit was filed by labor unions and advocacy groups, alleging violations of the Privacy Act and highlighting broader concerns about government overreach.