Federal judge restricts DOGE access to Social Security data

Judge limits DOGE’s access to Social Security data amid privacy concerns

Preliminary injunction restricts agency’s ability to access personal information

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction limiting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing identifiable Social Security data, citing significant privacy and data security concerns raised by labor unions and policy advocates.

The ruling, delivered late Thursday by U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, temporarily halts DOGE’s unfettered access to personal data held by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It follows an earlier restraining order that required DOGE to delete any sensitive data already obtained.

Court presses DOGE on need for personal identifiers

In court, Judge Hollander questioned DOGE’s justification for accessing personally identifiable information (PII). “What is it we’re doing that needs all of that information?” she asked during the proceedings. The judge emphasized the need to explore anonymized alternatives for data usage.

Justice Department attorney Bradley Humphreys acknowledged the feasibility of anonymizing data but argued that doing so would be "extremely burdensome." Nonetheless, the court’s injunction now requires DOGE to use unidentifiable data wherever possible and mandates that staff undergo full background checks and training before gaining access.

DOGE now held to same standards as SSA staff

According to Maria Freese, a senior expert at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the court has effectively held DOGE to the same protocols already applied within the SSA. “This sets a standard — DOGE employees will now face the same access conditions as SSA staff,” she said.

If DOGE personnel seek access to PII, they must provide documented justification for why anonymized data would be insufficient. “A generic fraud investigation is not enough,” Freese said, noting that even SSA employees cannot conduct open-ended data searches without proper authorization.

Political response and further investigation

The White House indicated it would challenge the ruling. “We will appeal this decision and expect ultimate victory,” said spokesperson Liz Huston. She emphasized President Trump’s commitment to fighting fraud and inefficiency across government agencies. “The American people gave President Trump a clear mandate to uproot waste, fraud and abuse.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.) has called for an investigation into DOGE’s broader data-related ambitions, referencing whistleblower claims that the department plans to overhaul SSA’s legacy systems and build a new interagency federal database — potentially incorporating Social Security numbers.

Advocates hail ruling but remain cautious

Privacy advocates have welcomed the injunction as a vital step toward safeguarding the personal data of millions of Americans. Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, called the decision “a clear line drawn” in defense of longstanding SSA practices.

“For 90 years, this agency has delivered benefits securely and on time,” Altman said. “This ruling reaffirms that mission and should reassure the American people.”

Still, both Altman and Freese cautioned that vigilance is essential. “This is a positive outcome, but it’s not the end of the story,” Altman noted. “We must continue to hold the administration accountable to ensure full compliance with the court’s directives.”

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for continued coverage on federal data privacy rulings and developments in Social Security policy.