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.

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.