Unions File Emergency Motion Against DOGE's Data Seizure from SSA

The Facts -

Coalition Challenges DOGE's Alleged Breach of Privacy Over Americans’ Data

Baltimore, MD — A coalition of unions and retirees is taking swift legal action to stop what they describe as an illegal access to the sensitive information of millions of Americans by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a group linked to Elon Musk. This follows an earlier lawsuit initiated by Democracy Forward, which aims to address the alleged overreach into private data.

The coalition, represented by Democracy Forward, has submitted an amended complaint and a motion for emergency relief on behalf of significant organizations such as the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). These filings emphasize new developments in DOGE's activities at the Social Security Administration (SSA), including concerns raised by the Acting Commissioner. The Commissioner noted complications due to “outsiders who are unfamiliar with nuances of SSA programs." These filings highlight potential risks including privacy violations, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

Tiffany Flick, a former Acting Chief of Staff at the SSA, has lent support to the lawsuit through a declaration. She expressed concern over the disruption caused by DOGE's activities, stating that “A disregard for our careful privacy systems and processes now threatens the security of the data SSA houses about millions of Americans.”

Lee Saunders, AFSCME President, articulated a sense of urgency, underscoring the importance of safeguarding Social Security data. He remarked, "Working people spent their lives paying into Social Security. They deserve to know their benefits and personal information are in safe hands."

Emphasizing the urgency, Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, called for immediate judicial intervention. “Time is of the essence,” he stated, urging the court to address the privacy concerns before irreversible damage occurs.

AFT President Randi Weingarten also criticized the alleged misuse of data, arguing that the actions compromise the trust and security promised by Social Security. “With every passing day Americans’ personal and financial data is further jeopardized by Elon Musk’s actions,” she said.

Additionally, Skye Perryman, Democracy Forward President & CEO, expressed concern over the alleged unlawful access. Perryman emphasized, “Americans should be able to trust the government to protect their confidential data.”

The lawsuit contends that DOGE's actions contravene several legal safeguards, including the Internal Revenue Code, the Privacy Act, and the Social Security Act. These regulations are designed to prevent unauthorized data usage and ensure the protection of sensitive information held by the SSA.

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