Reach of Musk, DOGE’s federal data access sets off privacy, security alarms

Led by tech billionaire Elon Musk and a shadowy team believed to be under his control, the United States DOGE Service’s unprecedented access to federal IT systems that store vast amounts of personal information presents significant concerns across multiple domains, including privacy, civil rights, cybersecurity, and national security. The scope and depth of this access implies not only a technical capability, but also an organizational mandate that goes beyond traditional roles associated with federal agencies, raising fundamental questions about oversight, accountability, and the potential for abuse.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, Ranking Member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, said Friday that what Musk is doing is an “information heist unparalleled in American history.”

Also Friday, Sen. Jon Ossoff, a member of the Senate Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, warned that Musk’s access to Americans’ sensitive personal information could put national security at risk. “No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information,” Ossoff said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “This level of access for unauthorized individuals is unlawful, unprecedented, and unacceptable. DOGE has no authority to access this information.” James and 14 other state attorney generals announced they will file a lawsuit in federal court seeking an injunction against DOGE.

Musk and DOGE’s unparalleled access to federal IT systems has created a firestorm of protest for its far-reaching implications. Without stringent oversight, transparent policies, and robust security frameworks, the potential for privacy violations, civil rights abuses, security breaches, and national security threats are unacceptably high, critics and lawmakers are warning.

At its core, what Musk and DOGE are doing touches on the sanctity of personal information. Federal IT systems house sensitive data about millions of Americans and government employees, including Social Security numbers, medical records, financial data, and detailed personal histories.

DOGE’s access to these databases, whether for surveillance, investigation, or other undisclosed purposes, means that vast amounts of data are vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized exposure. Even if the access is initially justified under legal pretexts, the sheer scale increases the risk of accidental data breaches, intentional misuse, or unauthorized third-party access. This situation exacerbates the already fragile trust that citizens have in the federal government’s ability to safeguard their privacy.

From a civil rights perspective, the concentration of such sensitive data within a single agency’s purview opens doors to potential discrimination and unjust profiling. The possibility that information could be leveraged to target specific groups based on race, religion, political beliefs, or other protected characteristics cannot be dismissed. Historically, government overreach into private data has often led to civil liberties violations such as unwarranted surveillance or the suppression of dissent. DOGE’s broad access raises fears that similar patterns could emerge, particularly if there are inadequate checks on how data is collected, stored, and utilized.

The overall security risks are profound. Centralizing access to multiple federal IT systems creates a single point of failure that could be exploited by malicious actors. If DOGE’s internal security measures are not airtight, any breach could compromise interconnected databases, exposing sensitive information on a massive scale. Such a scenario could be devastating not only for individuals, but also for the integrity of government operations, including intelligence gathering. Foreign adversaries or sophisticated cybercriminal organizations could target DOGE specifically, knowing that penetrating its defenses could yield access to a treasure trove of valuable data.

The implications for national security are equally alarming. Federal systems do not merely contain civilian data; they often include sensitive information about government personnel, intelligence operations, defense strategies, and critical infrastructure. If DOGE were compromised, or if its access were misused internally, the fallout could extend to national defense, diplomatic relations, and the overall stability of the federal government. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding DOGE’s motives and operational protocols invites speculation about the agency’s true objectives and whether its activities align with the broader interests of national security.

The situation at the Department of Treasury and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services underscores the severity of concerns. Treasury systems are not just repositories of financial data; they are integral to the stability of both the national and global economy. The DOGE Service’s unprecedented access to sensitive and classified Treasury systems represents a profound shift in the balance of power within federal institutions. This infiltration or overreach brings with it a cascade of risks with far-reaching implications.

“In his first week leading the so-called DOGE effort, Elon Musk and his unknown minions gained full access to the federal government’s central payment system with no warning, explanation or notification to millions of Americans about the potential threat to their sensitive data. The scale of the intrusion into our privacy is massive, unprecedented, and unconscionable,” House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said Friday, adding DOGE presents “a dangerous invasion of privacy.”

At the forefront of Jeffries and other legislators’ concerns is, of course, privacy. Treasury systems contain extensive financial records of individuals, businesses, and governmental entities, including tax records, banking transactions, and detailed financial histories protected under stringent privacy laws. DOGE’s access to such data, especially without rigorous oversight, introduces the risk of unauthorized surveillance or the misuse of financial information. Financial data can reveal intimate details about a person’s life, from spending habits to political contributions, creating opportunities for profiling or unwarranted investigations that infringe upon the privacy rights of citizens.

DOGE’s potential to exploit Treasury data could lead to discriminatory practices, targeting individuals or groups based on their financial behaviors, affiliations, or demographics. Monitoring transactions could be used to unfairly scrutinize certain communities under the guise of national security or anti-fraud measures. Historically, financial surveillance has been a tool for political suppression, where dissidents, activists, or minority groups have been disproportionately targeted. If DOGE is allowed to operate without sufficient checks and balances, the likelihood of such abuse increases exponentially.

Treasury systems are critical to the functioning of the U.S. economy, managing everything from tax collection and debt issuance to sanctions enforcement and the protection of the financial sector against cyber threats. If DOGE’s access introduces vulnerabilities – whether through inadequate cybersecurity protocols or by concentrating too much sensitive data in one agency – it will increase opportunities for cyberattacks. A breach of these systems could disrupt financial markets, compromise sensitive economic strategies, and even expose international transactions and agreements.

The global financial system relies heavily on the security and stability of U.S. Treasury operations, and any compromise could have ripple effects worldwide. From a national security perspective, the dangers are even more pronounced. Treasury systems play a key role in enforcing economic sanctions, tracking illicit financial flows, and supporting intelligence operations related to counterterrorism and anti-money laundering.

The DOGE Service’s access to these classified systems could undermine these functions, either through intentional interference or because of poor data management practices. Additionally, the potential for internal misuse – whether for political gain, corporate manipulation, or other unauthorized purposes – could erode the integrity of U.S. financial oversight and weaken its position in global economic governance.

The concerns surrounding DOGE gaining access to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) IT systems are also immediate and far-reaching. At the heart of the issue is the sheer volume and sensitivity of the data housed within CMS systems.

CMS manages healthcare information for over 100 million Americans enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. This data includes personally identifiable information such as Social Security numbers, medical histories, treatment records, billing information, prescription drug use, and even genetic data in some cases. DOGE’s access to these systems raises significant privacy concerns, as any unauthorized use, mishandling, or data breaches could expose this sensitive information, leading to identity theft, medical fraud, or other forms of exploitation.

Civil rights concerns are also front and center of this storm. With access to detailed healthcare data, there is potential for discriminatory practices or unjust profiling based on medical histories, disabilities, or socio-economic status. Data could be used to target vulnerable populations or to cut funding and services to specific groups under the guise of government efficiency. This mirrors historical abuses where marginalized communities have been disproportionately affected by government overreach, and the risk of such patterns repeating is amplified when sensitive health data is in play.

From a security perspective, the risks are substantial. CMS IT systems are considered part of the nation’s critical infrastructure. They not only process billions of dollars in healthcare payments, but they also play a pivotal role in public health surveillance and emergency response, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. If DOGE’s access introduces vulnerabilities – either through weak cybersecurity practices or by centralizing too much sensitive data – it could make CMS a prime target for cyberattacks. A breach could disrupt the healthcare system, delay payments to providers, and compromise patient care on a national scale.

National security implications also emerge when considering how CMS data intersects with broader federal health initiatives and emergency preparedness. CMS data is vital for monitoring disease outbreaks, managing healthcare resources during disasters, and supporting national health policies. If this information is misused or if access is compromised, it could undermine the government’s ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies, potentially putting millions of lives at risk.

The DOGE Service’s reported use of AI to analyze federal data adds another layer of concern. Feeding sensitive healthcare data into AI systems – especially without strict oversight – poses risks of data misinterpretation, errors, or biased outcomes. AI algorithms could be used to identify cost-cutting opportunities that might jeopardize patient care, particularly for marginalized groups reliant on government healthcare programs. Additionally, using AI without adhering to established privacy safeguards contradicts federal policies designed to protect citizens’ data, amplifying fears of unauthorized surveillance and data exploitation.

Recent developments at the Department of Education further illustrate the breadth of DOGE’s reach and the associated risks. Representatives from DOGE have reportedly fed sensitive data from the Education Department into unknown AI software to probe the agency’s programs and spending. This AI probe includes data with personally identifiable information for people who manage grants, as well as sensitive internal financial data. The use of AI inside the Education Department shows how DOGE is leveraging Silicon Valley’s favorite tool as part of its mission to drastically slash the size and functions of the federal government.

The move follows the Trump administration’s intent to reshape the technological landscape of the federal government with an aggressive and so far unchecked deployment of AI across government that presents serious legal, ethical, and security concerns that are raising alarms among government employees, privacy advocates, policymakers, and the national security and intelligence communities. The DOGE team has been laying the groundwork to roll out AI at every department and agency using backend software to unleash AI to extract and sift through information about spending, employees, and programs.

Feeding sensitive data into an AI capability about which little is known introduces significant risks. It places the data into the possession of a system’s operator, increasing the chances of leaks or cyberattacks. AI can also make errors, raising legitimate concerns about the accuracy and security of the analyses conducted by the DOGE team. Moreover, the rapid deployment of AI in government operations without established safeguards or guidelines is in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s cautious approach to AI, which emphasized privacy and cybersecurity protections. The Trump administration repealed Biden’s executive orders on the government’s development and deployment of AI.

The rapid expansion of DOGE’s access across multiple federal agencies has alarmed many, leading to legal and legislative responses. More than a dozen state attorneys general have announced plans to sue to stop DOGE from continuing to access sensitive Treasury Department payment systems that house data belonging to millions of people. They argue that President Trump does not have the power to give away private information to anyone he chooses, nor can he cut federal payments approved by Congress. The lawsuit focuses on DOGE’s work at the Treasury, where Musk and his staffers are accused of unlawfully accessing payment systems containing individuals’ data and states’ bank account information.

In Congress, House Democrats on Thursday introduced the Taxpayer Data Protection Act, which is aimed at preventing individuals with conflicts of interest or without security clearances from accessing the Treasury Department’s highly sensitive payment systems. The legislation seeks to hold the Trump administration accountable and to protect the privacy of Americans from what is described as Musk’s illegal seizure of federal payment systems. If passed, the bill would ensure that only trusted public servants with appropriate security clearances can access the Treasury’s most sensitive systems, curbing potential abuses and safeguarding personal data.

The bottom line is this: DOGE’s unprecedented access to federal IT systems poses multifaceted threats that extend far beyond data privacy to encompass civil rights violations, systemic security vulnerabilities, and significant national security risks. The concentration of such power within a single agency, combined with the rapid and opaque deployment of AI technologies, necessitates immediate and robust oversight. Without stringent checks, transparent policies, and strong safeguards, the potential for abuse remains unacceptably high, threatening the foundational principles of democracy and the integrity of federal institutions.

Article Topics

cybersecurity  |  data privacy  |  data protection  |  DOGE  |  national security  |  U.S. Government  |  United States