This week on the Lock and Code podcast…
This week, we dive into the controversial establishment of the newly formed US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which appears to have extensive data collection interests regarding American citizens. Established on January 20 by former President Donald Trump through an Executive Order, DOGE is tasked with modernizing federal technology and software with the aim of enhancing government operations.
However, this mission has raised alarms over the access to sensitive personal data. Reports indicate that on February 1, members of DOGE lacking appropriate security clearances managed to gain access to classified information from the U.S. Agency for International Development. This was followed by an alarming acquisition request for IRS data that includes critical personal details such as names, addresses, social security numbers, and financial records. In yet another incident on February 18, the Social Security Administration’s commissioner resigned amid requests for access to records containing wage histories, bank account numbers, and personal health information.
The potential ethical and legal implications of these actions were highlighted when an individual named Kevin Couture filed a data breach notification with his state’s Attorney General. He alleges that DOGE compromised his personal data, stating that sensitive information, including his social security number and banking details, was accessed without his consent. Couture expressed his concerns about the breach, questioning how extensively the data had been gathered and managed by DOGE and suggested that the actions may legally constitute a violation of privacy rights.
In a conversation with Databreaches.net, Couture stated, “I filed the report… as my rights were violated when my Social Security Number and banking information were compromised without my knowledge. I have no idea who has my information now.” His assertions raise noteworthy questions about the governmental procedures and transparency regarding data access.
This episode of the Lock and Code podcast features an insightful discussion with Sydney Saubestre, a senior policy analyst at New America’s Open Technology Institute. Saubestre analyzes the basis on which DOGE claims it requires access to such comprehensive data. He notes that decisions have been largely justified with vague references to combating “waste, fraud, and abuse,” asserting that the inability to articulate specific reasons further underscores concerns regarding potential privacy violations.
“[DOGE] haven’t been able to articulate why they want access to some of these data files other than broad ‘waste, fraud, and abuse.’ That, ethically, to me, points to it being a data breach.”
The increasing scrutiny over DOGE’s actions presents a complex scenario for government accountability and individual privacy. As these discussions unfold, it is imperative for business owners and cybersecurity experts to remain vigilant about governmental access to data and its implications for personal and corporate privacy.
Show notes and credits:
Intro Music: “Spellbound” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Outro Music: “Good God” by Wowa (unminus.com)
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