The latest developments have also created serious questions about the privacy and security of Social Security information. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was created to help modernize federal technology, is trying to get access to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) information systems. This action creates important questions about the security of the private information of tens of millions of Americans, including retirees, the disabled, and their dependents.
The scope of SSA data
The SSA’s data systems hold a vast collection of personal information on almost every person living in the United States, from birth to death. This “cradle to grave” data encompasses, but is not limited to:
- Name
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Date and place of birth
- Gender
- Addresses
- Marital status
- Parental details
- Lifetime earnings
- Bank account information
- Immigration and work authorization status
- Health status (for individuals applying for disability benefits)
- Medicare use
In addition, the SSA can collect or match individual information by contracting with other agencies, including the IRS and the Department of Health and Human Services. For applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is designed for individuals with limited financial means, information about their assets and living arrangements may also be obtained.
DOGE’s objectives and concerns
DOGE, led by Elon Musk, was created to “modernize Federal technology and software to improve government efficiency and productivity”. Its efforts at accessing sensitive IRS and SSA information have created uproar and consternation across a number of federal agencies. People have concerns that the actions of DOGE might give rise to:
- Data leaks and breaches
- Weaponization of information against perceived political adversaries
- Technical issues due to modifications done without complete understanding of the systems
- Understanding failure of the data and erroneous decisions made based on it
The SSA databases are old, complicated, and networked using outdated programming languages. The level of complication of this kind such that even slight modifications have the potential to destabilize other systems unless handled properly.
Privacy and security risks
Experts and civil liberties advocates warn that DOGE’s access to sensitive tax and medical data could easily lead to data breaches. The potential consequences of such breaches are severe, including identity theft, financial fraud, and reputational damage.
Apart from that, public opinion that tax return data is no longer confidential could result in fewer people filing taxes, and that would have serious consequences for government coffers. Social Security data confidentiality is needed to ensure public trust in the system.
SSA’s data systems are housed in locked rooms, and permission to view, never mind alter, information on them has always been highly restricted, Romig said, “She was fingerprinted and had to pass a background check before being allowed to view data for her research while at the agency and it could only be data that had no personally identifiable information.”
Given the variety of personal data available, there are also a number of federal privacy and other laws limiting the use and dissemination of such information.
Political and financial implications
Such laws are intended to prevent not only improper use or leaks of the data by individuals, but abuse of power by government, according to the Center on Democracy and Technology
There are also concerns that the data will be weaponized against political opponents. Public statements made by the Trump administration have contributed to these concerns. The lawsuit against the IRS and DOGE is filed to prevent the team from accessing the IRS data and force them to delete all the data they have already obtained4.
Impact on Social Security disability
Reforms are on the way for Social Security Disability in 2025, such as an estimated Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%. Nevertheless, the potential threat DOGE’s access to SSA information poses may cut across these gains.
It’s essential to keep in mind that other influences will impact overall benefits. Medicare Part B premiums are a good case in point and need to be taken into account. The attempt by DOGE to access Social Security data raises significant privacy and security concerns. The potential for data breaches, misuse of information, and technical disruptions could have far-reaching consequences for millions of Americans. It is imperative that policymakers and the public carefully consider the risks and take appropriate measures to safeguard this sensitive data.
The projected COLA increase for 2025 and other changes to Social Security Disability will be overshadowed if the security and privacy of beneficiaries’ data are not adequately protected. The Social Security Administration must resist unauthorized access to its data systems and uphold its responsibility to protect the personal information of those it serves.
Read more: Are 150-year-old Americans receiving Social Security checks, as Elon Musk said? Here’s the truth behind DOGE chief’s claims
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