Elon Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has ignited a national debate over the balance between government modernization and the protection of citizens’ privacy. While DOGE’s mission is to streamline federal operations and reduce waste, its approach has raised significant concerns about data security and the potential misuse of sensitive personal information.​

DOGE’s Expansive Access to Federal Data

Under Musk’s direction, DOGE has been granted unprecedented access to a range of federal databases, including those managed by the Treasury Department, the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). This access encompasses personally identifiable information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, medical records, employment histories, and financial data .​

The scope of this data access has prompted widespread alarm among privacy advocates, civil rights organizations, and lawmakers. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has filed lawsuits challenging DOGE’s actions, arguing that the agency’s access to OPM data violates the Privacy Act of 1974, which restricts the disclosure of personal information without individual consent .​

Legal and Institutional Pushback

The legal community has responded robustly to DOGE’s data practices. In February 2025, a federal appeals court upheld restrictions on DOGE’s access to SSA data, ruling that the agency must limit its access to anonymized information and comply with stringent background checks for its personnel .​

Additionally, members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence have expressed “grave concern” over DOGE’s activities, warning that the agency’s actions risk exposing classified and sensitive information, thereby jeopardizing national security and violating Americans’ privacy

Privacy Risks and Public Outcry

The potential risks associated with DOGE’s data access are manifold. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), for instance, manages healthcare information for over 100 million Americans. Unauthorized access or mishandling of this data could lead to identity theft, medical fraud, or discriminatory practices based on medical histories and socio-economic status

Public response has been swift and critical. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has launched campaigns urging Congress to intervene and protect citizens’ data from unauthorized access by DOGE . Similarly, the Electronic Frontier Foundation has called for immediate action to halt what it describes as a “ransacking” of Americans’ sensitive information .​

Conclusion

While the Department of Government Efficiency’s objectives may align with the broader goal of enhancing governmental efficiency, its methods have raised profound concerns about the safeguarding of personal data. The ongoing legal challenges and public scrutiny underscore the necessity for a balanced approach that prioritizes both administrative reform and the protection of individual privacy rights.