Supreme Court Grants Access to Sensitive Social Security Data
NEW HAMPSHIRE — In a controversial ruling, the Supreme Court has authorized the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to access sensitive Social Security Administration (SSA) data, including personal records long protected by Granite Staters. This decision marks one of the first appeals involving DOGE, previously led by Elon Musk.
The court’s order overturns a ruling by U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander, who had initially blocked DOGE’s access, describing their request as a “fishing expedition” lacking substantial evidence of fraud. The newly granted access includes a wide array of personal data, such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and school records. Critics argue that DOGE has previously mishandled personal information, raising serious concerns about privacy violations.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson articulated strong opposition, warning that the court’s decision poses “grave privacy risks” to millions of Americans. She criticized the decision for allowing DOGE unrestricted access before confirming compliance with privacy laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor echoed this sentiment, while Justice Elena Kagan expressed similar concerns about the ruling.
Plaintiffs in the case, including various labor organizations, lamented the ruling as a serious blow to democracy and privacy. Liz Huston from the White House supported the Supreme Court’s decision, claiming it enables the government to tackle inefficiencies effectively. Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano reiterated the drive for modernization and improved services within the agency.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
