Charles Borges, the head of Social Security’s data division, resigned on Friday, citing policy violations highlighted in a whistleblower report. The report raised concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) uploading sensitive information into a “vulnerable cloud environment.”
Borges noted that awareness has grown around numerous projects and incidents that might breach federal laws or regulations. These issues have been communicated to local Social Security administrators, pointing out potential risks to valuable data assets stored in the cloud, and possibly enabling unauthorized access to the agency’s data systems.
He expressed that the new leadership in IT and executive offices has fostered a climate of fear and confusion, with little information being shared. Alongside worries about layoffs, this has contributed to an overall dysfunctional atmosphere within the organization.
Borges mentioned that both executives and staff are hesitant to voice concerns due to fears of retaliation. His attempts to seek information about suspicious activities were met with refusals or indifference from leadership.
The SSA has not yet responded to a request for comment on this situation.
The former chief data officer stated that the circumstances had become “unbearable,” impacting his physical health, partly because he felt unable to monitor data effectively at the agency.
“We cannot ensure that agency data complies with legal agreements or meets federal guidelines,” Borges asserted.
He added that the constant stress stemming from a lack of transparency and a culture of fear is more than what reasonable employees should have to endure, especially with concerns about potential data mishandling.
Recently, citizens and Democrats nationwide have criticized DOGE’s attempts to gather personal data under questionable justifications.
Lawmakers contend that new hires within the institution lack the necessary security clearances to access sensitive information without proper authorization.
Some DOGE officials, appointed by former White House advisor Elon Musk, were said to have been given access in an effort to address “waste, fraud, and abuse,” a common justification during the Trump administration.
