Drone Tracking Allegedly Targets Anonymous Tipster Posting About DOGE Issue
Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team is under investigation for allegedly gaining unauthorized access to sensitive labor-related data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), according to whistleblower complaints from IT staffers there. This breach is part of a broader pattern wherein DOGE has acquired access to several sensitive federal data systems, raising significant privacy and security concerns.
The investigation was triggered by the actions of IT employee Daniel Berulis, who found a threatening letter and sensitive personal information after reporting a potential breach. The breach is believed to have involved DOGE personnel accessing confidential labor investigation files, potentially exfiltrating upwards of 10 gigabytes of data, including information on unions and ongoing legal cases.
Investigative details reveal that DOGE personnel had high-level access to other sensitive government databases, suggesting a capability to compile detailed personal dossiers by combining data from multiple federal agencies. This access is consistent with reports that DOGE acquired control over a "mega API" built by the IRS, which streamlined its ability to search for what it believes to be wasteful spending.
The implications of these breaches are substantial: unauthorized exposure of personal and financial information threatens the privacy of millions, including vulnerable groups like farmers and ranchers. Lawmakers have expressed concern and demanded that DOGE be removed from control of sensitive payment systems and labor data to protect against exploitation and restore public trust.
Possible motivations behind DOGE’s access to these sensitive records appear linked to Musk’s broader agenda of government efficiency reforms and oversight cuts by his team. This includes reducing regulatory oversight and consolidating control over data, leading to weakened protections and increased risks of breaches. Additionally, Musk’s public initiatives, like the “five bullets” emails at federal agencies, have generated concern about employee privacy and data security.
It has been speculated that Musk may be interested in learning about investigations into his companies, Tesla and X, or using data to train models for xAI. Another DOGE worker, who goes by the name "Big Balls," has previously worked for a cyberhacking group, leading to further concerns about the team's intentions.
Notably, controls were disabled that would prevent unauthorized devices, like smartphones, from logging onto the system without permission, and two-factor authentication was also turned off. Logs used to monitor outbound traffic were absent, and some actions had no attribution except to a 'deleted account'. PowerShell downloads were visible on the systems, which allow engineers to run automated commands.
The breach has also raised concerns about the treatment of union workers. It has been reported that people get fired for the lawful act of trying to form a union, including at Tesla. The breach could potentially be used to find and punish whistleblowers, as DOGE gaining access to sensitive information may be the point.
In unrelated news, Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos' partner Lauren Sanchez went up to space on a Blue Origin rocket this week.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Musk has stated that he will recuse himself from any work involving his companies. Unions have been a significant part of the U.S.'s growth for decades, and Americans overwhelmingly support them. However, the potential exploitation of this data breach for purposes such as dismantling unions raises serious questions about the ethical implications of Musk's actions and the need for increased oversight in government technology units.
- The DOGE team, led by Elon Musk, is under investigation for allegedly gaining unauthorized access to sensitive labor-related data from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which could potentially be used to dismantle unions.
- The breach has raised concerns about the treatment of union workers, as people have been reportedly fired for attempting to form unions, including at Tesla, and the breach could potentially be used to find and punish whistleblowers.
- The implications of these breaches are substantial, as unauthorized exposure of personal and financial information threatens the privacy of millions, including vulnerable groups like farmers and ranchers.
- Lawmakers have expressed concern and demanded that DOGE be removed from control of sensitive payment systems and labor data to protect against exploitation and restore public trust, due to the team's access to sensitive records and its potential motivations linked to Musk’s agenda of government efficiency reforms and oversight cuts.
