DOGE granted access to SSA records—how the Supreme Court ruling affects your privacy
- Replies 0
A recent Supreme Court decision has opened the door for a federal task force to access Social Security data—sparking both support and concern across the country.
The ruling, which allows temporary access for DOGE (Data Operations and Government Efficiency task force), comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over government modernization efforts and data privacy.
Here’s what happened, what’s at stake, and what you can do.
In April, a federal judge blocked DOGE’s access to Social Security Administration (SSA) records, citing privacy concerns.
The Supreme Court has now granted the Trump administration’s emergency request to lift that block while the case continues in lower courts.
According to the Court’s unsigned decision, SSA “may proceed to afford members of the SSA DOGE Team access to the agency records in question in order for those members to do their work.”
The White House and SSA praised the ruling.
“This ruling will help carry out commonsense efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and modernize government information systems,” said White House spokesperson Elizabeth Huston.
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano also stated the agency will “continue driving forward modernization efforts, streamlining government systems, and ensuring improved service and outcomes for our beneficiaries.”
Supporters argue that DOGE’s access will strengthen the government’s ability to detect fraud, improve efficiency, and better serve the public—particularly as systems are updated.
Opponents of the decision include labor unions, advocacy groups, and several Supreme Court justices.
The plaintiffs—AFSCME, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Alliance for Retired Americans—warn that the ruling gives the government too much access to deeply personal information.
“This is a sad day for our democracy and a scary day for millions of people,” said the coalition, which is represented by Democracy Forward.
“This ruling will enable President Trump and DOGE’s affiliates to steal Americans’ private and personal data.”
They’ve pledged to “use every legal tool at our disposal” to protect data privacy.
The SSA maintains a vast database of sensitive information, including:
According to the plaintiffs’ complaint, DOGE has already accessed and in some cases publicly shared protected data, raising legal and ethical concerns.
Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan dissented from the Court’s 6–3 decision.
“The government wants to give DOGE unfettered access to this personal, non-anonymized information right now – before the courts have time to assess whether DOGE’s access is lawful,” Justice Jackson wrote.
She also noted the government did not demonstrate that denying access would cause irreparable harm—an important legal standard in emergency cases.
This ruling is not final.
It temporarily allows DOGE to access SSA data while the case is argued in lower courts.
Legal challenges from advocacy groups will continue, and the Court has not yet ruled on the broader question of whether DOGE’s access is lawful.
The outcome could shape future federal data-sharing policies and privacy protections.
There are steps you can take to help protect your information:
As this case continues to unfold, it highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding personal privacy and improving government efficiency.
Whether you're concerned about data access or hopeful for better fraud prevention, staying informed is key.
Read next: A major shake-up at Social Security—what it means for your personal data
Do you support the government’s efforts to modernize and fight fraud—or are you concerned about how your personal data is used? Have you taken steps to safeguard your information? We’d love to hear your perspective in the comments!
The ruling, which allows temporary access for DOGE (Data Operations and Government Efficiency task force), comes as part of an ongoing legal battle over government modernization efforts and data privacy.
Here’s what happened, what’s at stake, and what you can do.
What just happened?
In April, a federal judge blocked DOGE’s access to Social Security Administration (SSA) records, citing privacy concerns.
The Supreme Court has now granted the Trump administration’s emergency request to lift that block while the case continues in lower courts.
According to the Court’s unsigned decision, SSA “may proceed to afford members of the SSA DOGE Team access to the agency records in question in order for those members to do their work.”
The Supreme Court’s decision allows temporary access to Social Security records by a federal task force, raising questions about privacy and government oversight. Image Source: YouTube / PBS NewsHour.
Supporters say it's a step toward fraud prevention and modernization
The White House and SSA praised the ruling.
“This ruling will help carry out commonsense efforts to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse and modernize government information systems,” said White House spokesperson Elizabeth Huston.
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano also stated the agency will “continue driving forward modernization efforts, streamlining government systems, and ensuring improved service and outcomes for our beneficiaries.”
Supporters argue that DOGE’s access will strengthen the government’s ability to detect fraud, improve efficiency, and better serve the public—particularly as systems are updated.
Also read: Breaking: DOGE plans to eliminate 69 programs in latest budget cuts
Critics raise concerns about privacy and overreach
Opponents of the decision include labor unions, advocacy groups, and several Supreme Court justices.
The plaintiffs—AFSCME, the American Federation of Teachers, and the Alliance for Retired Americans—warn that the ruling gives the government too much access to deeply personal information.
“This is a sad day for our democracy and a scary day for millions of people,” said the coalition, which is represented by Democracy Forward.
“This ruling will enable President Trump and DOGE’s affiliates to steal Americans’ private and personal data.”
They’ve pledged to “use every legal tool at our disposal” to protect data privacy.
Also read: Attention: Changes to Social Security records due to DOGE update—here’s what you need to know
What kind of data is involved?
The SSA maintains a vast database of sensitive information, including:
- Full name, birth date, place of birth
- Citizenship, race, sex, and contact info
- Parents’ names and SSNs
- Driver’s license, state ID, and bank account details
- Birth, marriage, and court records
- Pension and employment history
- Immigration and naturalization documents
- Medical, psychological, addiction treatment, and HIV/AIDS test records
- Tax records, including total income and Medicare contributions
According to the plaintiffs’ complaint, DOGE has already accessed and in some cases publicly shared protected data, raising legal and ethical concerns.
Also read: Are the efforts paying off? How much did DOGE save you within two months?
What dissenting justices said
Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan dissented from the Court’s 6–3 decision.
“The government wants to give DOGE unfettered access to this personal, non-anonymized information right now – before the courts have time to assess whether DOGE’s access is lawful,” Justice Jackson wrote.
She also noted the government did not demonstrate that denying access would cause irreparable harm—an important legal standard in emergency cases.
Justices Ketanji Brown Jackson, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan dissented in the ruling, expressing concern over expanded access to Americans’ sensitive Social Security data. Image Source: YouTube / @FedScoop.
What happens next?
This ruling is not final.
It temporarily allows DOGE to access SSA data while the case is argued in lower courts.
Legal challenges from advocacy groups will continue, and the Court has not yet ruled on the broader question of whether DOGE’s access is lawful.
The outcome could shape future federal data-sharing policies and privacy protections.
Also read: Are your Social Security checks safe? These new changes could affect your payments
What can you do?
There are steps you can take to help protect your information:
- Monitor your credit — Visit AnnualCreditReport.com for free reports.
- Set up alerts — Use your bank’s fraud alerts for account activity.
- Use strong SSA login security — Enable two-factor authentication and use unique passwords.
- Watch for scams — The SSA will never call or email demanding immediate payment.
- Stay informed — Follow updates on this case and others related to data privacy.
As this case continues to unfold, it highlights the delicate balance between safeguarding personal privacy and improving government efficiency.
Whether you're concerned about data access or hopeful for better fraud prevention, staying informed is key.
Read next: A major shake-up at Social Security—what it means for your personal data
Do you support the government’s efforts to modernize and fight fraud—or are you concerned about how your personal data is used? Have you taken steps to safeguard your information? We’d love to hear your perspective in the comments!
