Supreme Court Backs DOGE Access to SSA Data, Igniting Privacy Debate
In a 6–3 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has granted the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) temporary access to Social Security Administration (SSA) data, overturning previous privacy-based lower court rulings. The case now returns to the Fourth Circuit Court for further review.
DOGE, founded by Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, aims to modernize government systems. Its request included Social Security numbers, medical records, and family court files. Former SSA Commissioner Michelle King denied the request and resigned shortly after. Her successor, Leland Dudek, approved it without oversight.
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority supported DOGE’s access, while liberal justices dissented. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned this could lead to executive overreach and erosion of privacy.
Supporters argue DOGE’s access could improve fraud detection and reduce bureaucracy. Critics, including the Digital Privacy Foundation, call the ruling “deeply troubling” due to the sensitive nature of the data and DOGE’s limited oversight.
As the appeals court reviews the case, lawmakers are being urged to clarify federal data access rules. The situation underscores a growing national tension: should government efficiency outweigh personal privacy? The outcome could set a major precedent for digital governance in America.
