Consider This from NPR Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law
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Mar 13, 2025 The Department of Government Efficiency is pushing to access sensitive personal data, sparking privacy concerns. With a wealth of information at stake, including medical histories, over a dozen lawsuits reference a 1974 law designed to protect personal data from federal overreach. The historical significance of the Privacy Act is examined, highlighting its ongoing relevance in modern legal battles. Discussions also reveal tensions surrounding the government’s approach to data access and the implications for individual rights and democratic accountability.
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DOGE Data Access Concerns
- DOGE's access to personal data stored across federal agencies is raising alarms.
- Lawsuits aim to prevent DOGE from accessing this information by invoking the 1974 Privacy Act.
Origins of the Privacy Act
- The 1974 Privacy Act originated from concerns about government overreach and data sharing without safeguards.
- Watergate and Hoover's blacklist highlighted the potential for abuse of power through unrestricted access to personal information.
Lawsuits Against DOGE Data Access
- Lawsuits against DOGE's data access are filed by privacy groups and attorneys representing government employees and individuals.
- Plaintiffs argue that DOGE's access violates the Privacy Act's purpose and individuals' trust in the government's handling of their data.