US judge limits Musk's DOGE access to social security data

Elon Musk is leading President Donald Trump's federal cost-cutting efforts under the so-called "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE). [AFP]

A US judge ruled Thursday to restrict access to Americans' social security data for Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), after unions raised concerns about the unelected billionaire's sweeping powers.

The order by District Judge Ellen Hollander bans DOGE staff from accessing data containing information that could personally identify Americans, such as their social security number, medical history or bank records.