A federal judge has ruled that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) unlawfully gave Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) agents access to sensitive federal employee data, Federal News Network reported.
Plaintiffs in the case are now asking the court to order that any copies of OPM data still held by DOGE be deleted or expunged.
Key Facts
- The ruling: A federal judge found OPM acted unlawfully when it granted DOGE agents access to sensitive federal employee data.
- The agency at issue: OPM serves as the federal government's central human resources office and holds personnel records on the civilian workforce.
- The remedy sought: Plaintiffs want the court to require deletion or expungement of any OPM data copies still in DOGE's possession.
- Still unresolved: Whether the court will grant that request, and how any deletion would be carried out or verified, has not been determined.
Context
OPM maintains extensive records on current and former federal employees. DOGE's access to those systems drew legal challenges over whether the agency followed required legal safeguards for protecting personnel information.
The ruling addresses the legality of the access itself. The follow-on request over data deletion is a separate question the court must still decide.
What It Means For You
If you are a federal employee, retiree, or applicant whose records are held by OPM, this case concerns how that information is handled and who may lawfully see it.
- No action is required from employees at this time. The case is ongoing, and the court has not yet ruled on the deletion request.
- Watch for updates. A court order on deletion or expungement could affect what happens to any copies of OPM data outside the agency's systems.
- Check official channels. Employees with questions about their records should look to OPM and their agency HR offices for official guidance.
GovWire.org will update this story as the court addresses the plaintiffs' request.
Source: Federal News Network