Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge in Maryland has once again halted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) personnel working within the Social Security Administration (SSA) from accessing the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans. This decision comes as one of many lawsuits raised concerns over the data access and usage by DOGE. In a 148-page memorandum explaining the ruling, U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander emphasized the importance of following the law in conducting the work related to rooting out fraud, waste, and mismanagement within the SSA.
Judge Hollander, an Obama appointee, previously issued a temporary restraining order against DOGE, questioning the need for the agency to have such widespread access to Social Security data containing personally identifiable information. The judge’s ruling aims to prevent DOGE staff from accessing SSA databases with such information, requiring the deletion of non-anonymized data and the removal of any software previously installed on SSA systems by DOGE personnel.
Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek’s justifications for DOGE’s data access were found to be lacking precision and clarity by Judge Hollander. The ruling also imposes restrictions on DOGE team members, while allowing the use of anonymized data by others within the SSA who have undergone proper privacy training. Concerns over DOGE’s access to data extends to other federal agencies, where similar violations of privacy laws have been identified.
Recent instances of the misuse of personal data by DOGE staff, like pushing misinformation about noncitizen voting and unauthorized removal of data from agency systems, have raised alarms about the agency’s practices. Whistleblower reports at other agencies have also hinted at potential misconduct related to DOGE’s data access within the federal government.
The issue at hand goes beyond the work that DOGE aims to accomplish within the SSA; it underscores the importance of upholding privacy laws and ethical standards in handling sensitive personal information. The ongoing legal battles and concerns surrounding DOGE’s activities highlight the need for a more transparent and accountable approach to data management within federal agencies.