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Analysis and Technology

Is Elon Musk's DOGE going to break decades-old US government software?

Elon Musk's DOGE task force is reportedly being given unchecked access to the computers that run the US government, and experts warn that it risks bringing down systems and leaking sensitive data

By Matthew Sparkes

7 February 2025

Elon Musk is a close associate of US president Donald Trump

K C Alfred/San Diego U-T/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Is a team led by Elon Musk going to crash US government computer systems? In recent weeks, there have been numerous reports of Musk and his associates gaining access to servers at departments ranging from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the US Treasury. It isn’t clear if these complex, sensitive and ageing computer systems are being updated, or if private data is being accessed, but there are fears of serious harm being caused.

Musk’s staff are operating under a task force called the Department…

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