Labor Unions Challenge Social Security Data Privacy in High-Stakes Legal Battle
A group of labor unions are taking dramatic action to protect millions of Americans’ sensitive Social Security information from potential unauthorized access by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Late Friday, the legal services group Democracy Forward filed an emergency motion in a Maryland federal court targeting the Social Security Administration (SSA). Their goal? To block DOGE from accessing vast troves of personal data that could compromise citizens’ privacy and Social Security benefits.
Insider Concerns Raise Critical Privacy Red Flags
Tiffany Flick, a former senior SSA official, has raised critical concerns about the potential data breach. In a powerful affidavit, she warned that the current approach threatens the carefully constructed privacy systems protecting millions of Americans’ Social Security records.
“Essentially, DOGE is attempting to bully their way into accessing massive amounts of private data,” said Karianne Jones, a lawyer representing the unions. “They can’t clearly explain why they want this information or what specific data they’re seeking. They just want everything.”
A Pattern of Controversial Data Access Challenges
This isn’t the first time DOGE has faced legal challenges. Nearly two dozen lawsuits have been filed against the department, particularly during the Trump administration. Judges have repeatedly questioned the agency’s broad cost-cutting efforts and lack of transparency.
The potential implications for Social Security administration are significant. The SSA might face:
- Workforce reductions of over 10%
- Closure of dozens of offices nationwide
- Widespread changes to existing data management practices
Ongoing Legal Battles and Social Security Privacy Concerns
While a federal judge in Washington recently allowed DOGE employees to access Treasury systems, the department remains limited by other court orders. A February agreement with the Office of Personnel Management already restricts direct access to personal taxpayer information.
The Social Security Administration has not yet publicly commented on the ongoing lawsuit, which was originally filed last month. As the legal battle unfolds, millions of Americans wait to see how their personal Social Security data will be protected.
