A federal judge ruled that a government department, DOGE, was unlawfully granted access to sensitive federal employee data. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote stated this violated the Privacy Act, which governs record disclosures and requires safeguards. The Department of Justice argued DOGE needed access for modernization efforts, but the judge found this justification lacking. Lawyers also claimed data access was for potential future needs, but the government never linked it to agent duties. DOGE was established by President Trump to streamline government operations and began accessing OPM systems in early 2025. Professional groups challenged DOGE's access to personal employee data as illegal. Twenty DOGE employees initially accessed OPM systems, with some continuing through September 2025. The government indicated only one agent with no data access remains and DOGE itself has ceased operations. OPM has updated its policies to restrict system access to its own employees and contractors. The judge noted the policy updates seemed to align with the litigation timeline. She questioned the necessity of further relief given DOGE's shutdown and encouraged parties to discuss resolution.