The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld restrictions preventing Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Social Security systems containing sensitive personal data on millions of Americans. A preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander mandates that DOGE staff can only access redacted data after undergoing training and background checks, and must delete any non-anonymized data already obtained. The court's majority opinion, written by Judge Robert B. King, highlights the potential risks of granting DOGE 'immediate and unfettered access' to sensitive information, which includes family, medical, and financial records. The plaintiffs, including labor unions and retirees, argue that DOGE's actions pose significant privacy violations and security threats. Appellate Judge Julius Richardson, dissenting, questioned the necessity of the full panel's involvement and pointed out the lack of evidence showing actual privacy breaches by DOGE.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided not to lift restrictions that prevent DOGE from accessing Social Security systems with sensitive data, following a preliminary injunction by Judge Ellen Hollander.

Judge Hollander's injunction allows DOGE staff to access only redacted data after mandatory training and background checks, and requires the purging of any non-anonymized data already collected.

Judge Robert B. King, writing for the majority, emphasized the security risks associated with DOGE's request for unrestricted access to sensitive personal information, which includes medical and financial records.

The case was initiated by labor unions and retirees who claim DOGE's efforts violate privacy laws and present significant information security risks.

Appellate Judge Julius Richardson dissented, suggesting the case should have been reviewed by a smaller panel and noting that no evidence was presented of DOGE actually misusing personal data, only potential risks were highlighted.