A class-action lawsuit challenges the Trump administration's plan to consolidate vast federal databases of Americans' personal information, citing major privacy and constitutional concerns.
Sep 30, 2025
Source:
Jefferson Public Radio
Lawsuit Contests Massive Data Consolidation
A class-action lawsuit has been filed to block an administration initiative aimed at consolidating federal databases of Americans’ personal information. The suit alleges the plan violates federal privacy laws and constitutional rights.
The legal challenge targets the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the agency spearheading the effort to merge data from across multiple government agencies.
Alleged Violations
Plaintiffs argue that the initiative breaches several key statutes designed to protect citizen data. The core of the complaint rests on the alleged violation of the Privacy Act of 1974, which governs how federal agencies handle personal information.
According to a report from the Brookings Institution, other laws cited include the Paperwork Reduction Act and the E-Government Act, which impose strict requirements on federal data handling and security.
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Source:
WUNC
Vast Scope of Personal Data at Risk
The plan involves merging highly sensitive information that was historically kept in separate, siloed systems to prevent misuse.
What Information Is Involved?
The data being consolidated is extensive and personal, including:
Financial and tax records
Health and healthcare data
Facial recognition data from photos
Social Security earnings histories
Veterans’ mental health records
Computer IP addresses and location tracking data
Concerns Over Surveillance and Abuse
Privacy advocates warn that a centralized database poses significant risks. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) notes that such a system could be used to punish dissidents or target specific groups.
Critics fear the potential for an "American Panopticon," where advanced analytics and AI could enable unprecedented tracking of citizens. The lawsuit highlights a lack of transparency, stating officials have not clarified what data is being combined or how privacy will be protected.
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Source:
http://Epic.org
