Take Control of Your Personal Data: How to Request Information from DOGE and Elon Musk
U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin is calling on all American citizens to take action this week by formally requesting access to any personal data collected about them by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Elon Musk. This initiative aims to empower individuals to understand what information is being stored and to exercise their legal rights under federal law. With growing concerns about digital privacy and data security, Raskin’s push encourages citizens to take an active role in protecting their personal information.
A recent ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has reinforced these rights, issuing an injunction that requires DOGE to comply with citizen requests under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This legislation, which incorporates provisions from the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, grants every American the ability to access personal data held within federal government records. The court’s decision ensures that DOGE must respond to these inquiries, providing transparency and accountability regarding how government agencies handle personal information.
Filing a request is a straightforward process. Individuals need only complete a Privacy Act request form and submit it by mail to DOGE. This agency, which has been systematically collecting and managing government data, is now legally obligated to disclose specific information upon request. With over 340 million U.S. citizens entitled to this right, it is an opportunity for individuals to safeguard their privacy and verify what details the government holds about them. Taking this step can help citizens remain vigilant and informed about their digital footprint within government systems.
After mailing the Privacy Act request to DOGE, citizens are encouraged to stay engaged with updates on the process. Keeping track of new developments will be crucial as more details emerge about how the agency responds to these demands. While the legal framework supports this effort, collective participation can strengthen accountability and highlight the importance of data transparency in the digital age.