US States Unite in Lawsuit Over Musk’s DOGE Access to Americans’ Personal Data
In a significant move to safeguard citizen privacy, a coalition of more than a dozen U.S. states is preparing to file a lawsuit aimed at blocking billionaire Elon Musk’s team from accessing sensitive federal government payment systems. These systems contain critical personal data of Americans, and the coalition seeks to defend constitutional rights and community funding.
Background of the Lawsuit
The coalition, consisting of 13 Democratic attorneys general from states including California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, and New York, issued a statement outlining their intention to pursue legal action. The lawsuit is described as a necessary step in protecting the rights of individuals and communities who rely on government assistance.
Details of the Legal Action
- The states have not disclosed the timeline for the lawsuit.
- Specific court details and the nature of the relief sought remain unclear.
- TechCrunch has reached out to several state governments for further comments but has not received a response.
Concerns Over Data Access
This planned lawsuit follows Elon Musk’s team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), gaining access to crucial U.S. government departments and sensitive datasets. These include:
- The U.S. Treasury
- The Department of Education
- The Department of Health and Human Services
These systems historically limited access to a few departmental career staff due to the sensitive nature of the information involved, which includes data on millions of Americans receiving Social Security checks, tax returns, and other federal payments.
National Security Risks
Senior Democrats have raised alarms regarding Musk’s access, labeling it a potential risk to national security, especially considering his extensive business interests in China and the implications for data security.
State Protections for Data Privacy
While there is no comprehensive federal data protection law in the U.S., many states have implemented laws that safeguard the personal data of their residents, including protections at the federal level. This legal landscape underscores the importance of maintaining strict protocols around sensitive information.
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