Federal judge temporarily restricts DOGE access to Social Security data

A federal judge in Baltimore has issued a preliminary injunction restricting the Department of Government Efficiency’s access to Social Security data. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, an Obama appointee, has ordered DOGE-affiliated staffers to purge any non-anonymized Social Security data they have received since Jan. 20. They are also prohibited from making changes to the computer code or software used by the Social Security Administration, removing any software or code they may have installed, and disclosing any of that code to others.

The injunction allows DOGE staffers to access redacted or stripped data that is not personally identifiable, provided they undergo training and background checks. Judge Hollander praised the government’s objective to address fraud, waste, mismanagement, and bloat, stating that taxpayers have the right to expect their money is not squandered.

However, Hollander expressed concerns about DOGE’s methods of accessing Social Security data, led by billionaire Elon Musk. She highlighted the importance of privacy in SSA records, which have been upheld for 90 years. The case was brought by labor unions and retirees who believe DOGE’s actions violate privacy laws and pose significant information security risks.

During a federal court hearing, Judge Hollander questioned the need for DOGE’s extensive access to sensitive personal information to uncover Social Security fraud. The Trump administration’s attorneys argued that changing the process would slow down their efforts and that DOGE’s access aligns with normal practices within the agency.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that DOGE’s access represents a significant shift in how the agency handles sensitive information. Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, which is behind the lawsuit, welcomed the ruling as a relief for those who rely on the SSA to protect their personal data.

Hollander’s injunction does not apply to SSA workers not affiliated with DOGE, who can still access data for their work. DOGE staffers seeking access to anonymized data must undergo training and background checks like other SSA employees.

The ruling could be appealed to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which has previously sided with the Trump administration in similar cases. The Associated Press contributed to this report.