U.S. judge limits Musk's DOGE access to social security data

US judge restricts DOGE staff from accessing Americans' personal data, citing privacy concerns over Musk's influence and power.

A U.S. judge ruled on Thursday (April 17, 2025) to restrict access to Americans' social security data for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), after unions raised concerns about the unelected billionaire's sweeping powers.

The order by District Judge Ellen Hollander bans DOGE staff from accessing data containing information that could personally identify Americans, such as their social security number, medical history or bank records.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) can only give redacted or anonymized records to DOGE employees who have completed background checks and training on federal laws, regulations and privacy policies, Ms. Hollander ruled.

The order is the latest legal challenge to Mr. Musk and DOGE's drive to slash outgoings deemed wasteful or contrary to President Donald Trump's policies.

It comes after SSA chief Michelle King reportedly quit in February over DOGE's requests to access Social Security recipient information.

The case was brought by a group of unions who argued that the agency had "opened its data systems to unauthorized personnel" from DOGE "with disregard for the privacy" of millions of Americans.

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) praised the ruling as "important."