GAO Audits Elon Musk's DOGE Over Sensitive Data Access

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is auditing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) due to alarming reports of untrained personnel accessing sensitive government data across various federal agencies. The investigation, initiated by congressional leaders, aims to uncover potential misuse of systems and data, as DOGE operatives, many lacking government experience, have been infiltrating agencies like the Social Security Administration and the Treasury Department. Concerns include the mishandling of personal information, particularly Social Security numbers, which could lead to identity theft. A federal judge recently halted DOGE's attempts to access Social Security data, criticizing their lack of substantiated claims. The GAO review is expected to provide much-needed oversight on DOGE's activities, which have raised significant privacy and security concerns. The audit's findings may clarify the operational practices of DOGE and the implications for data protection.