The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has raised alarms over the actions of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), alleging unlawful access to sensitive federal computer systems. This access, according to the ACLU, could violate federal statutes and fundamentally undermine privacy protections.
In a recent communication to Congress, ACLU lawyers described how DOGE has reportedly gained control over federal agencies that manage sensitive personnel files for nearly 2 million federal employees. They worry that the misuse of this data could result in not just legal violations but potential constitutional breaches as well.
The unauthorized use of sensitive data, particularly if part of a campaign to remove employees deemed politically unaligned, contravenes federal laws including the Privacy Act and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act. These laws strictly regulate access to government personnel data.
In their letter, the ACLU detailed DOGE’s access to Treasury systems responsible for significant federal payments, which involves potentially sensitive information about Social Security benefits, tax refunds, and salaries. This expansive access could compromise millions of details, such as Social Security numbers and personal finances.
ACLU attorneys noted that inexperienced personnel from DOGE now oversee data management that previously would have required extensive expertise and experience—skills typically held by seasoned civil servants. They expressed concern over this shift in operational control and its implications for safeguarding sensitive information.
The organization has filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking records of communications among DOGE personnel as well as documentation related to their access requests for sensitive data. They have also requested information on plans to deploy AI tools within government operations and adherence to federal laws protecting sensitive information, such as HIPAA.
Adding to these concerns, reports emerged that DOGE has initiated efforts to quickly implement an AI chatbot named "GSAi" within the General Services Administration, which manages the U.S. government’s IT infrastructure. There’s no indication that the GSA has evaluated the privacy impacts of this deployment—a step mandated by law.
The ACLU has indicated it will pursue legal action if necessary to obtain the pertinent documents, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding any unauthorized access to sensitive financial, medical, and personal records. They have communicated their concerns to multiple congressional committees, arguing that any overreach in government operations could have far-reaching consequences affecting programs critical to the well-being of American citizens.
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