Elon Musk's DOGE faces lawsuit for accessing personal data of Americans

In the United States, a coalition of 19 state attorneys general, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, initiated legal action against Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, aims to prevent DOGE from accessing sensitive personal data housed in the Treasury Department, including bank account details and Social Security numbers. The lawyers argue that granting Musk and DOGE such access is unlawful and a violation of constitutional rights, seeking an immediate injunction against further data access. The lawsuit follows concerns regarding privacy violations and unauthorized access to federally protected data by DOGE. The controversy surrounding DOGE’s access to personal information has sparked significant political backlash. Advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers have organized protests and voiced deep concerns about Musk’s growing influence, characterizing it as a threat to the privacy rights of millions of Americans. The situation is further exacerbated by the Trump administration’s intent to reduce the size of the Education Department, raising fears that such moves could jeopardize oversight of sensitive data. In addition to the legal actions pursued by state officials, a federal lawsuit filed by an advocacy group named Student Defense also seeks to block DOGE's access to federal student aid systems. This lawsuit claims that access to the system represents a significant invasion of privacy for over 42 million federal student loan borrowers. Student Defense argues that individuals provided their information in trust when applying for loans and grants, making this access particularly problematic without appropriate regulations. The broader implications of these legal actions have raised questions on governmental accountability and privacy protection in the digital age. While the Education Department characterized DOGE's involvement as a move to enhance efficiency and restore accountability, critics remain skeptical, fearing that it opens doors for a privacy crisis. The opposition from the Democratic lawmakers reflects a growing frustration with the current administration’s handling of education-related issues, particularly amid concerns about the capability of Musk’s company and his unprecedented influence over governmental functions. The unfolding developments in this narrative illustrate the contentious intersection of technology, privacy, and governmental governance in the contemporary landscape of American politics.