Federal Court Blocks DOGE’s Access to Social Security Data Amid Privacy and Oversight Concerns

A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction restricting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing personal Social Security data. The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit by labor groups, who argue that DOGE’s broad access to sensitive data poses serious privacy and security risks. The judge’s decision significantly curtails DOGE’s ability to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) without justification.

Court Questions DOGE’s Data Needs, Imposes Safeguards To Protect Privacy And Security

U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander questioned the necessity of DOGE’s access to such detailed data, expressing concerns over privacy and potential misuse. She had earlier issued a temporary restraining order and ordered DOGE to delete any previously collected data. In court, the Justice Department acknowledged that anonymizing data is possible, though burdensome, reinforcing the need for proper safeguards.

Under the injunction, DOGE can only access anonymized data and must ensure that its employees undergo training and background checks equivalent to those required for Social Security Administration (SSA) staff. If PII access is necessary, DOGE must provide a specific justification. The court emphasized that generalized fraud investigations are not sufficient grounds for unrestricted access.

Political Backlash And Privacy Concerns Grow As DOGE Faces Court Restrictions And Scrutiny

The ruling has political ramifications as well, with the White House promising to appeal the decision. Spokesperson Liz Huston defended the agency’s efforts as part of President Trump’s broader mandate to eliminate waste and fraud. Meanwhile, Rep. Gerald Connolly is calling for an investigation into DOGE’s push to overhaul SSA’s technology systems and create a multiagency federal database, which has raised additional concerns among privacy advocates.

Social Security advocates welcomed the court’s decision as a protective measure for beneficiaries, ensuring that their data is handled with the same care as it has been for decades. However, they remain cautious. Experts warn that ongoing vigilance is necessary to ensure DOGE complies with court orders and that the integrity of the SSA remains intact. The ruling is seen as a reaffirmation of data privacy rights in the face of increasing government data-sharing initiatives.