DOGE's Data Breaches: A Threat to Data Privacy and Security

The recent revelations about DOGE's improper access and sharing of Social Security data have raised serious concerns about data privacy and security.

TL;DR
• DOGE improperly accessed and shared Social Security data.
• The data breaches raise concerns about data privacy and security.
• The public needs to ensure their personal data is protected.

Summary
The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) improperly accessed and shared sensitive personal data of millions of Americans, including Social Security data. DOGE employees secretly conferred with a political advocacy group about matching Social Security data with state voter rolls to find evidence of voter fraud and overturn election results. The Social Security Administration (SSA) admitted that DOGE employees improperly accessed and shared sensitive data, but the extent of the violations and the data's usage remain unclear. The SSA also revealed that two DOGE employees were referred to a federal watchdog for potentially violating the Hatch Act. The improper data sharing included sending a password-protected file with private records to DOGE affiliates outside the agency and using unapproved third-party servers to share data. Key findings include:
• DOGE improperly accessed and shared sensitive personal data of millions of Americans.
• The data was potentially used to advance dubious fraud claims and influence Trump administration policies on immigration, benefits, and election security.
• The SSA has little knowledge of what data was shared and offers little insight into how those incidents occurred. The revelations have bolstered claims of whistleblower Chuck Borges, who alleged that DOGE staffers repeatedly violated internal SSA policies and federal laws. The incident raises concerns about data privacy and the potential risks of sensitive information being compromised. The Trump administration's efforts to consolidate data access have extended beyond voting and Social Security, driving key policies on immigration enforcement. The administration's actions have been criticized for lacking transparency and potentially violating privacy laws.

The improper access and sharing of Social Security data by DOGE is a serious concern that requires immediate attention and action to protect data privacy and security.