Whistleblower claims DOGE jeopardizes Social Security data security

In June 2025, Charles Borges, the chief data officer of the Social Security Administration, alleged that members of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) jeopardized the personal information of hundreds of millions of Americans by uploading a crucial Social Security database to an unsecured cloud server. This server contained sensitive information including Social Security numbers, full names, addresses, and birth dates. Borges expressed significant concerns about the lack of oversight and security measures in place to protect such delicate information, raising alarms regarding potential identity theft and various other risks related to federal welfare programs. The issue arose after DOGE, originally established under the direction of billionaire Elon Musk to combat fraud in the Social Security system, sought access to sensitive government data. The New York Times reported that the office faced objection from former acting Social Security commissioner Michelle King, who resigned after rejecting a DOGE request for sensitive records. Despite the resignation and rising concerns, DOGE proceeded with the data transfer under the claim of addressing fraud issues within the system, even though past assertions in this context had come under scrutiny. Subsequent developments revealed that a large amount of personal information had been stored in a cloud environment deemed accessible solely to DOGE, and the data was reportedly transferred without the necessary independent security oversight that typically accompanies sensitive data handling at the Social Security Administration. Borges highlighted that he had not been included in discussions about this transfer, and as a result, he lacked awareness of its risks until after the fact. As Borges gathered evidence to support his claims, including two dozen pages of internal emails and memos, he found indications that decision-makers were aware of the risks but proceeded regardless. The Government Accountability Project, which is advocating for Borges, stated that he spent considerable time seeking internal corrections to the processes and handling of the sensitive data. The urgency surrounding his claims prompted whistleblower complaints, signaling that the matter required immediate examination by various authorities, including congressional lawmakers. The allegations raised serious questions about DOGE's operations, the protocols in place to protect citizens’ personal data, and the potential consequences if such information were to fall into the wrong hands.