By Edward Cates, Chairman, TSCL
The new Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, has spent a lot of time in the headlines over the last few months. Headed by Elon Musk, the agency was established by the Trump administration through executive order to modernize federal software while maximizing governmental efficiency and productivity.
In its first few months of existence, DOGE has claimed to save U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. However, it has also stirred controversy by working to shut down USAID, laying off federal employees still in their probationary periods, and accessing employee data from the Office of Personnel Management.
So, with the agency seemingly touching nearly every aspect of the federal government, it’s fair to wonder: How will senior citizens be affected?
In this article, we’ll attempt to answer a few pressing questions about DOGE for America’s senior citizens. TSCL is a non-partisan organization and we focus solely on providing the information you need to protect yourself and your data.
Should the average senior citizen be worried about the DOGE having access to their personal information and accounts?
TSCL believes that DOGE should not have direct access to personal information or accounts unless a person is actively involved with a government program or service that collects such data. DOGE should typically be involved in improving government programs' efficiency, not necessarily collecting personal data unless it’s part of a larger initiative or required for a specific service.
However, there could be concerns about whether DOGE or any government entity is given access to databases containing sensitive personal information. Seniors should be cautious when sharing personal details with any government agency or program. You should ensure that you only share your information when necessary and that the agency operates under appropriate privacy protections.
Is there any potential for tampering with or deleting data?
Government agencies are bound by strict data protection regulations, including privacy laws. However, like any large system, there is always the potential for errors or, in the worst case, unauthorized deletion of data. This is especially true if a government program is new.
While these risks are typically low due to existing protections, seniors and the public should remain vigilant about data security and stay informed about their rights. If you suspect data tampering or deletion, you should immediately contact the relevant authorities to report the issue.
What should the average senior do if they are worried?
If you’re concerned about personal information security or the potential for data tampering with ANY government agency, you should consider the following steps:
- Understand your rights: It's important to learn about your personal data rights, particularly regarding government programs. In the U.S., privacy laws like the Privacy Act of 1974 govern how government entities collect and use personal data.
- Monitor your information: If you’ve submitted personal details to any government agency, you should regularly check for any unusual activity or discrepancies in your records. Many government programs offer ways to track or verify this information.
- Contact the agency directly: If you have concerns about data access or security, you should contact the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) or the relevant agency. You can ask questions about the agency's data protection policies and how their information is being managed.
- Use official channels: You should always use official websites or contact methods when dealing with government-related services or programs. You should also be cautious of phone calls or emails from people claiming to be government representatives, as these may be phishing attempts.
- Secure your digital footprint: Seniors, in particular, should be mindful of the security of their online accounts. You should use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your personal information.
- Seek help from trusted individuals: If someone is unsure how to protect their information, they should ask a trusted family member, friend, or professional for help navigating any concerns with government data handling.
In conclusion, while government agencies like DOGE should have systems in place to protect personal data, the average person, especially seniors, should remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard their information. It’s essential to make sure you’re informed and aware of your rights regarding government data collection.
