Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law

Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law

  • By
  • Episode
      1542
  • Published
      Mar 13, 2025
  • Publisher
0 Ratings
0
Episode
1542 of 1779
Duration
12min
Language
English
Format
Category
Non-fiction

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, has been trying to access the massive amounts of Americans' personal information held in databases throughout the federal government.

These databases hold information far more sensitive than name, address or even social security number. Diagnoses and medical data like treatment for mental health and addiction issues is also included in the trove of data.

Now, more than a dozen lawsuits are invoking a little known law from 1974 that was designed to safeguard exactly this kind of data from federal overreach.

For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.

Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy


Listen and read

Step into an infinite world of stories

  • Read and listen as much as you want
  • Over 1 million titles
  • Exclusive titles + Storytel Originals
  • 7 days free trial, then €9.99/month
  • Easy to cancel anytime
Try for free
Details page - Device banner - 894x1036
Cover for Over a dozen lawsuits to stop DOGE data access are betting on a 1974 law

Other podcasts you might like ...