DOGE Under Siege: Government Data Could Grant AI Firm Unprecedented Control

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has gained access to at least seven sensitive federal databases, raising concerns over potential cybersecurity and privacy threats. These databases include those from the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration. A lesser-known issue has emerged regarding the use of this data in training artificial intelligence systems for private companies.

The White House press secretary has asserted that the data collected by DOGE is not being utilized for training AI models owned by Elon Musk, despite his links to DOGE. However, personnel within DOGE have been found to hold positions in Musk’s companies, including SpaceX, where employees maintain government email accounts. This connection raises questions about a potential flow of sensitive data to Musk’s ventures, such as xAI, which has avoided clearly denying the usage of such information.

Experts note that government data could present significant advantages for AI development, surpassing the capabilities currently achieved with data collected from the public domain. While companies like OpenAI and Google rely on internet data—often less reliable—government databases provide authenticated records reflecting actual human behaviors. For instance, Medicare offers insights into healthcare decisions, while IRS data sheds light on financial histories.

The reliability and longitudinal nature of government data further enhance its value. Unlike online data, which can be inconsistent, government records are systematically audited and verified for accuracy. Consequently, they can track trends and decisions affecting entire populations, including those who may not engage with digital platforms.

AI systems currently struggle with accuracy due to the limitations of internet-sourced data. By training on government data, AI could be equipped to understand real-world outcomes rather than mere opinions or discussions. A model trained with this information could comprehend the consequences of health policies over time, providing invaluable insights into societal impacts on health and economy.

Access to comprehensive government records would allow a company like xAI to develop advanced predictive models and influence complex systems significantly. Such capabilities might enable the company to dominate industries, including healthcare, where it could analyze patient outcomes and treatment efficacy across diverse demographics.

Financial data from the Treasury has the potential to revolutionize economic predictions. Detailed transaction records and payment histories could allow an AI firm to forecast market movements and detect economic vulnerabilities much earlier than competitors relying on traditional methods.

Government databases also contain vital information regarding infrastructure. Data about usage patterns, maintenance records, and emergency response times could help create intelligent systems for urban management. With exclusive access, a private company could effectively monopolize insights into how cities operate, potentially leading to a privatization of urban governance.

The concentration of such data in the hands of a private entity poses significant risks beyond individual privacy concerns. Even anonymized datasets can yield insights capable of influencing large-scale societal behaviors. This raises profound questions about the implications for democracy itself, as significant data control might undermine public trust and civic freedom.

In light of these developments, the challenge remains for the American public to assert control over their data and the institutions meant to serve them. Without vigilance, the increasing intertwining of private interests and government data could transform citizens into subjects within a digital landscape dominated by profit-driven motives.