Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, a member of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, is warning that Elon Musk’s access to Americans’ sensitive personal information could put our national security at risk.
Sen. Ossoff and a group of Senators are urging the White House to address the dangers of giving unvetted “DOGE” staff access to classified information and sensitive government data.
“No information has been provided to Congress or the public as to who has been formally hired under DOGE, under what authority or regulations DOGE is operating, or how DOGE is vetting and monitoring its staff and representatives before providing them seemingly unfettered access to classified materials and Americans’ personal information,” Sen. Ossoff and the group wrote.
“As you know, information is classified to protect the national security interests of the United States. Government employees and contractors only receive access to such information after they have undergone a rigorous background investigation and demonstrated a ‘need to know.’ Circumventing these requirements creates enormous counterintelligence and security risks,” they added.
The Senators’ inquiry to the White House comes after media reports that unvetted DOGE inspectors gained access to classified materials, including intelligence reports, sensitive government payment systems, including for Social Security and Medicare, at the Treasury Department, and Federal personnel data from the Office of Personnel Management.
The Senators warned that DOGE’s access to government systems puts Americans’ personal information, like Social Security numbers and bank details, at risk. They said DOGE’s reported failure to follow security rules, such as using personal devices on secure networks, makes it easier for hackers to launch attacks, stressing the need for better protection.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to protect national security and Georgians’ privacy rights.
This week, echoing public health experts, Sen. Ossoff warned of grave risks the Trump Administration attacks on the CDC poses to American’s health.
In 2022, Sen. Ossoff launched an inquiry with the FBI into its facial recognition policies and practices to ensure that the Bureau respects the freedoms and privacy the First and Fourth Amendment’s guarantee for Georgians and all Americans.
Click here to read the Senators’ letter.
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