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Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks DOGE's Access to Social Security Data

The court order halts Elon Musk-led efforts to access sensitive personal information, citing privacy violations and lack of justification.

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
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced plans to eliminate thousands of agency positions as well as numerous regional and local Social Security offices.

Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander issued a 14-day restraining order preventing DOGE from accessing Social Security Administration data containing personally identifiable information.
  • The ruling requires DOGE to delete any sensitive data already obtained and prohibits the installation or use of software on SSA systems.
  • The judge criticized DOGE's actions as a 'fishing expedition' lacking evidence of widespread fraud, with no justification for such broad access.
  • Labor unions and advocacy groups filed the lawsuit, arguing DOGE's access violated privacy laws and the Administrative Procedures Act.
  • DOGE may access anonymized or redacted data if its staff undergo proper training, background checks, and comply with privacy safeguards.