An Authoritarian, An Oligarch and A Data Expert Walk Into a Bar: Why That Is Still Scary

How It Started
When I first learned that Elon Musk and Trump were becoming chummy about two years ago, it made me extremely nervous, as I am sure most reasonable Americans felt the same way. Elon’s data and AI capabilities could be lethal and toxic if he were to combine forces with the likes of the current president. Unfortunately we were all correct to worry.

While the obvious happened, Trump won, employed Musk to do his dirty work of attempting to get rid of all public service programs and create a system to spy on all Americans, it happened a great deal faster than anticipated. The next obvious thing happened, they turned on each other and broke up, what happened in the middle was the worst and not talked about enough.

What Did DOGE and Musk Do?

• They Accessed Social Security data:
  • DOGE sought and gained access to SSA databases containing personal information like bank accounts, earnings records, and potentially even medical records.
  • They claimed this access was to investigate waste and fraud within the Social Security system, according to CBS News.
  • This led to concerns about the misuse of data, particularly after Musk and a DOGE employee used SSA data to suggest that non-citizens were abusing the system, despite evidence showing that undocumented immigrants contribute more to Social Security than they take.
  • A federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE's access to SSA systems and ordered them to delete any personally identifiable information they had already obtained.
  • Concerns have been raised about the use of this data to push voter fraud narratives and the potential violation of the court order preventing DOGE staffers from handling sensitive SSA systems.
• Access to IRS data:
  • DOGE has also sought access to the IRS's Integrated Data Retrieval System (IDRS), which contains highly sensitive information about taxpayers, businesses, and nonprofits, according to Politico.
  • This access raised concerns about data security, potential conflicts of interest due to Musk's business holdings, and the potential for misuse of sensitive financial information.
  • While the White House initially suggested DOGE would have access to the system, they later clarified that an employee was expected to seek access but did not have it yet.
  • A lawsuit was filed by unions and other groups to block DOGE's access to IRS systems.
  • According to NPR, the White House and Treasury Department have agreed to prohibit DOGE from accessing personal taxpayer data, instead granting read-only access to anonymized data.

What Happened Next?

• At the Social Security Administration: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking DOGE from accessing non-anonymized personal data within the SSA system. The order also mandated the deletion of any unanonymized data in DOGE's possession and the removal of software installed on SSA systems by DOGE personnel. The judge criticized the Trump administration's justification for DOGE's "unfettered access" as insufficient and highlighted the potential for irreparable harm to individuals whose sensitive information could be exposed. This was viewed as a significant win for data privacy by those challenging DOGE's actions.
• At the Treasury Department: A federal judge temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing sensitive Treasury Department records, including Social Security and bank account numbers. The order also required the destruction of any downloaded copies of material from Treasury systems. This action came amid concerns about potential interference with federal funding and violations of federal law.
• IRS: While the White House and Treasury Department reportedly agreed to prohibit DOGE from accessing personal taxpayer data, and instead allow read-only access to anonymized tax data, NPR has not independently confirmed this reporting. The IRS did not respond to NPR's request for information on the specific access DOGE has.

In essence, federal judges have significantly limited DOGE's ability to access sensitive personal data from the SSA and Treasury Department, though the situation regarding IRS data remains somewhat unclear based on available reports. However, it's worth noting that DOGE has faced other lawsuits and investigations regarding its data access across various government agencies. Some of these lawsuits are ongoing, and the broader debate about government data privacy and the appropriate role of groups like DOGE in managing or analyzing sensitive information continues.
The Lethal Combination Of Authoritarianism, Data and Oligarchs
The convergence of AI, oligarchic power, databases and authoritarianism creates a lethal combination that can undermine democracy and governance in the United States. Here’s how this recipe manifests dangerous consequences:

1. Surveillance State: AI's ability to process vast amounts of data in real-time can be leveraged by those in power to create a surveillance state. This threatens privacy rights and civil liberties, allowing for increased tracking of individuals' behaviors, communications, and movements.
2. Information Manipulation: Oligarchs can exploit AI algorithms to manipulate information systems and shape public opinion. This is particularly concerning with the spread of deepfake technology, which can produce hyper-realistic false content that misleads and deceives.
3. Suppression of Dissent: Authoritarian governments may use AI to identify and target dissenters or political opponents. AI-driven social media monitoring tools can flag and suppress dissenting voices, stifling free speech and political discourse.
4. Economic Disparities: The concentration of AI in the hands of a few can exacerbate economic inequalities. Automation driven by AI can lead to job displacement, with the benefits disproportionately accruing to the wealthy while leaving behind the working class.

Addressing the Challenge
To mitigate the risks posed by the combination of AI, oligarchic influence, and dictatorial tendencies, the following measures are crucial:

1. Regulatory Frameworks: Establish robust guidelines and regulations to ensure AI is developed and applied ethically, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
2. Democratic Governance: Strengthen democratic institutions and uphold the rule of law to prevent the concentration of power and safeguard against authoritarianism.
3. Public Awareness: Educate the public about the potential dangers of AI misuse and encourage active participation in discussions around technology governance.
4. Equity and Inclusion: Promote inclusive economic policies to ensure that the benefits of AI advancements are shared broadly and do not exacerbate existing inequalities.
5. Place strong guardrails around how business and business leaders interact with government
6. Create iron-clad separation of American’s personal data and necessary interactions with key federal agencies like the IRS, Social Security and public supports.
7. Prohibit access to databases by anyone or any group unless it is the agency designed to support it. Guarantee it cannot be used by anyone or any group for anything other than its intended agency use.

What Can We Do?

• Be vocal in supporting the lawsuits that are in progress to halt access to data
• Go to protests, call Republican lawmakers, boycott companies who are assisting in potential misuse of data and talk to your neighbors about this issue
• Requires your lawmakers implement the above via legislation as early as possible in 2027
• Make sure everyone you know who is not registered to vote, to register