In a decision that could reshape how Americans think about privacy, the U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily greenlit the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access millions of Social Security records. If you’re wondering what that means for your most sensitive data—your earnings, health records, and Social Security number—you’re not alone.
How DOGE’s Access to SSA Data Could Affect You
| Takeaway | Stat/Fact |
|---|---|
| DOGE access approved | Supreme Court ruling (6–3) |
| Scale of data affected | Tens of millions of SSA records |
| Privacy safeguards in question | Critics cite Privacy Act violations |
This isn’t just a privacy issue—it’s a question of control. Americans deserve to know who can access their most personal records and why. For now, DOGE has that access. Whether it keeps it—or whether we allow it to—is up to the courts, Congress, and ultimately, the public.
What Just Happened?
On June 6, 2025, the Supreme Court lifted a lower court’s ban that had previously blocked DOGE from accessing unredacted Social Security Administration (SSA) data. This gives DOGE—an agency founded to improve government efficiency—the green light to begin reviewing highly personal information: Social Security numbers, income histories, disability claims, and even medical records.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, calling the move a “grave risk” to individual privacy.
Why This Matters for You
1. DOGE Can See Your Most Sensitive Info
If you’ve ever applied for disability benefits, updated your earnings, or relied on the SSA for any support, your personal data could now be in DOGE’s hands. Privacy experts say this violates the Privacy Act of 1974, which restricts data sharing without user consent or explicit exceptions.
“Imagine everything from your medical diagnoses to your last employer being in one place—and a new agency being able to sift through it,” said Laura Cheng, a data privacy attorney with the EFF.
2. Oversight? Not So Much.
Reports from federal watchdogs reveal DOGE employees were granted database access before background checks and data agreements were finalized. That’s a big red flag. Security protocols like those required under FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act) appear to have been sidestepped—raising concerns about hacking, leaks, or simple misuse.
3. A “Master Database” in the Making
There’s credible speculation that DOGE is attempting to merge SSA data with IRS records, immigration files, and even biometric systems. This would effectively build a federal master database that tracks everything from your taxes to your travel history.
And here’s the kicker: no one really voted for this.
What Critics and Supporters Are Saying
“DOGE’s mission is efficiency, but not at the expense of liberty,” tweeted Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD).
Meanwhile, proponents argue this move could streamline government services and eliminate fraud. A senior DOGE official stated anonymously, “We’re not spying. We’re aligning.”
Still, privacy watchdogs and civil rights organizations are not convinced. The ACLU and EFF have filed lawsuits, arguing that this mass data access violates core privacy protections and may lead to discriminatory targeting.
Your Data, Your Risk
Identity Theft is a Real Threat
With access to complete Social Security numbers and birth dates, the chances of fraudulent use spike. DOGE has no established process for notifying individuals if their data is viewed or misused.
Disrupted Services at SSA
Insiders say SSA workers are being reassigned or replaced, affecting how benefits get processed. Delays in disability claims, retirement benefits, and appeals could grow longer.
What You Can Do Right Now
Here are four steps you can take today:
- Log into your SSA account at SSA.gov and double-check your earnings history.
- Freeze your credit with all three bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to prevent unauthorized credit lines.
- Watch for official notices that you didn’t request, such as changes to your mailing address or benefit status.
- Report your concerns through EFF’s data privacy portal or file a complaint with the ACLU.
What’s Next?
Legal challenges are ongoing. A full hearing on the legality of DOGE’s access is expected later this year, but until then, the agency can continue its work unchecked. Lawmakers are now discussing new privacy protections and possible updates to the Privacy Act.
