Elon Musk’s task force aimed at streamlining the US government is reportedly seeking access to sensitive taxpayer data, raising concerns about privacy breaches and potential political retribution.

As part of his ongoing cost-reduction initiative, Musk’s "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) is attempting to gain access to the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), which holds highly confidential taxpayer information, including Social Security numbers, home addresses, property details, and income data, according to multiple media outlets such as The Associated Press, CNN, and The New York Times.

As of Sunday evening, DOGE had not yet secured access to the system, but the push has already caused alarm. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields defended the effort, arguing that direct access to IRS data was essential for addressing longstanding inefficiencies, fraud, and waste in government spending. Fields stated that DOGE’s work would help shed light on improper use of taxpayer funds.

However, critics, particularly Democratic lawmakers, have expressed concerns over Musk’s growing influence over key areas of the federal government. 

Senators Ron Wyden and Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the IRS, urging the agency to disclose the extent of DOGE’s access to taxpayer records, warning that it could be a violation of federal privacy laws and could be used for political purposes.

Musk fueled further unease with a post on his social media platform, X, which appeared to hint at using taxpayer data for targeting political opponents. 

Besides, a new X account named DOGE IRS called for public input on "finding and fixing waste, fraud, and abuse" within the IRS. 

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1242 HRS, FEB 18, 2025
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