The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against two federal entities—the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—for allegedly failing to provide information about their involvement in a government program known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
This program, which appears to operate behind closed doors, has raised serious questions about privacy, government surveillance, and potential overreach.
According to the ACLU, both agencies have ignored requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which was designed to ensure the public’s right to know how the government operates.
The lawsuit, filed in a Washington, D.C., federal court, seeks to compel the agencies to release records that could clarify DOGE’s data-gathering methods and scope.
What Is DOGE and Why Is It Controversial?
DOGE—short for the Department of Government Efficiency—is reportedly tasked with improving internal data-sharing systems between federal agencies.
While its name suggests administrative efficiency, privacy advocates argue that its real function may involve collecting and consolidating sensitive personal data across government databases without proper transparency or safeguards.
The ACLU is concerned that DOGE could have access to highly personal information from millions of Americans, including veterans and Social Security recipients.
The group fears that the program might bypass established legal protections that are meant to guard against misuse of government-held data.
For example, the Department of Veterans Affairs stores detailed medical and service records for millions of individuals.
If DOGE is tapping into this information without oversight, it could pose serious risks to privacy, especially if that data is shared or analyzed using artificial intelligence tools or predictive algorithms.
Freedom of Information Act at the Center of Legal Dispute
The core of the ACLU’s lawsuit revolves around the federal government’s alleged violation of the Freedom of Information Act. In early 2024, the ACLU submitted FOIA requests to both the SSA and VA, asking for documentation of any interaction or cooperation with DOGE.
This included emails, policy documents, contracts, and any evidence of data sharing or integration.
Under FOIA law, federal agencies are required to respond to such requests within a reasonable period—typically 20 business days.
According to the ACLU, both agencies failed to acknowledge the requests or provide updates on the status of the inquiries, which led the civil liberties organization to take legal action.
“This case is not just about data,” said ACLU attorney Nathan Freed Wessler. “It’s about ensuring that the public has the right to understand how our government operates, especially when personal information and privacy are at stake.”
Growing Concerns About Government Use of Technology
The ACLU’s lawsuit highlights a broader national concern about the increasing use of technology in government operations.
As more agencies turn to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data solutions to streamline decision-making, the risk of surveillance and privacy violations grows.
DOGE appears to be part of a growing trend of agencies relying on data-driven tools. But the lack of public information about how these tools are implemented raises red flags.
Privacy advocates warn that programs like DOGE, especially when kept secret, can lead to misuse of data, algorithmic bias, and unchecked surveillance.
“The idea that government agencies might be sharing massive datasets in secret, without public input or safeguards, is deeply troubling,” said Michelle Fraling, another ACLU counsel involved in the case. “We’re not opposed to efficiency—but transparency and accountability must come first.”
Impact on Veterans and Social Security Recipients
Two of the largest databases in the federal system are managed by the SSA and VA. Together, these agencies oversee benefits and services for more than 60 million Americans.
If DOGE has access to these systems, it could process personal records such as health histories, disability claims, income levels, and more.
Veterans, in particular, may be especially vulnerable. Many rely on the VA not only for healthcare but also for housing support, education benefits, and financial assistance. Any breach of confidentiality—or even the perception that data is being used improperly—could erode trust in the very institutions meant to serve them.
The ACLU emphasizes that these records contain intimate information that must be protected. The lawsuit aims to determine whether DOGE’s involvement compromises that confidentiality in any way.
Looking Ahead: A Legal Battle for Government Transparency
The outcome of this legal challenge could have major implications for how federal agencies handle data transparency in the future. If the court sides with the ACLU, it may force a broader conversation about digital privacy and the public’s right to know.
At its heart, the case is about government accountability. As technology evolves and agencies gain access to more powerful data tools, civil liberties groups argue that robust oversight is more important than ever.
The ACLU’s lawsuit marks a crucial step in that direction. Whether DOGE turns out to be an innocuous efficiency program or something far more invasive, the public deserves to be informed.
To read the ACLU’s official statement and case documents, visit ACLU.org.
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