In a significant legal development, the US Department of Education has temporarily barred Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team from accessing millions of students’ personal and financial data. The decision follows concerns raised by privacy advocates after DOGE reportedly gained unauthorized access to federal student aid databases. The ruling brings relief to a group of California college students who had filed a lawsuit alleging violations of privacy laws by Musk’s team.
The temporary block, confirmed by a court order issued on February 10, 2025, prevents any DOGE employee, including those assigned after January 19, from using or viewing sensitive student information. The Education Department’s move has triggered an intense debate about government efficiency, privacy concerns, and the growing influence of private-sector interests on public institutions.
Court ruling shields student data
According to the new court filing, the Department of Education and the plaintiffs reached an agreement to protect the data for at least one week. US District Judge Randolph Moss signed off on the temporary suspension, which will remain in effect until February 16, 2025. The move serves as a temporary reprieve for the students who filed the lawsuit, as reported by the USA Today. The case centers on claims that DOGE’s actions violated federal privacy regulations, including unauthorized access to databases containing students’ financial aid records.
The legal filing revealed that Musk’s government team had obtained access to a variety of sensitive student records, including personal details and financial aid status. Despite Musk’s strong push for government cost-cutting measures, many see this as a major breach of privacy that could have long-term consequences for student trust in federal systems.
Privacy advocates celebrate temporary win
Privacy groups, such as the National Student Legal Defense Network, are celebrating the court’s decision as a step in the right direction. Dan Zibel, vice president of the network, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “While today’s agreement puts further damage on hold, we look forward to putting a permanent end to these egregious violations,” as quoted by the USA Today.
However, the case is far from over. Another hearing is scheduled for later this week, coinciding with Education Secretary nominee Linda McMahon’s Senate confirmation hearing. With strong backing from President Trump, Musk’s cost-cutting agenda is expected to continue sparking fierce debate about the role of private sector influence in government programs.
The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for future privacy disputes involving private-sector access to government data, particularly regarding vulnerable populations like students.