A DOGE team member assigned to the IRS will not receive broad access to sensitive taxpayer records under a newly revealed agreement. The deal, obtained by ABC News, resolves concerns over potential privacy risks linked to DOGE’s initial request for unfiltered IRS system access. This would have exposed names, Social Security numbers, income data, and child custody details for millions of Americans.
The 120-day assignment of DOGE representative Gavin Kliger includes strict anonymization rules.
Access to returns or taxpayer information... must be anonymized and untraceable,states the agreement. Kliger’s role focuses on:
- Surveying IRS software efficiency
- Identifying modernization opportunities
- Implementing anti-fraud measures
While Kliger works across agencies like USAID and the State Department, the IRS emphasized all data reviews will remain anonymous. This follows reports that DOGE sought direct taxpayer insights—a move critics argued threatened personal privacy.
An IRS spokesperson declined comment, but experts argue the safeguards set a precedent for interagency data collaboration. Transparency without exposure is achievable,noted cybersecurity analyst Laura Chen. Anonymized access balances progress with protection.
The agreement permits a potential 120-day extension but reaffirms that personal identifiers remain off-limits. With taxpayer trust at stake, this framework could shape future government tech partnerships.