Controversy Erupts Over Elon Musk's Team Seeking Tax Data Access

USUnited States|

The United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reportedly considering granting access to sensitive taxpayer information to the Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk. According to The Washington Post, the House of Representatives has confirmed this plan, stating it will comply with legal and security requirements, although specifics on the data remained undisclosed.

Democratic Congress members have raised alarms about the implications of providing access to personal financial data to Musk's team, citing concerns over privacy breaches. Congressman Gregory Meeks expressed on Twitter that "an unelected oligarch" should not access Americans' confidential information. Similarly, Congresswoman Terri Sewell described the potential access as "atrocious" and possibly illegal.

As the IRS prepares a memorandum involving this access, Musk's engineer Gavin Kliger is expected to work with the IRS for 120 days to assist with modernization efforts. The plan has already sparked legal challenges from various states, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding the proposed access to taxpayer data, which is strictly regulated under U.S. law.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Records, Experts Warn of Identity Theft Risk

A cybersecurity breach has revealed an unprotected database exposing over 184 million records, including email addresses and passwords in plain text. According to cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler, the leaked data is linked to major platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook, posing a significant risk for identity theft and online fraud. Fowler described the breach as “a cybercriminal’s dream working list.” As companies increasingly shift to cloud services, the potential for such breaches is amplified. The Identity Theft Resource Center reported a 72% increase in data breaches in 2023, with victims impacted by mega-breaches rising by an astonishing 312% in 2024. A recent report by IBM indicated that 82% of these breaches involved information stored in the cloud, exacerbating security vulnerabilities. Experts recommend immediate action to protect personal information, including changing passwords, using unique passwords across different sites, and enabling multi-factor authentication. Teresa Murray from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group emphasizes the urgency of taking these protective measures, highlighting the need for vigilance against cyber threats.
USUnited States

Zion Williamson Facing Lawsuit for Alleged Rape and Abuse by Ex-Girlfriend

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is facing grave allegations in a lawsuit filed in the Los Angeles Superior Court by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who claims to be his former girlfriend. The lawsuit, submitted on Thursday, accuses Williamson of two instances of rape and ongoing patterns of abusive behavior, including threats and control over Doe, according to court documents. Doe alleges that the first incident occurred in September 2020, when Williamson reportedly forced her into a sexual encounter at his Beverly Hills home. The second alleged incident occurred a month later, involving further acts of violence and intimidation. She claims that Williamson threatened to have his security guard harm her and even confiscated her belongings to prevent her from seeking help. In response, Williamson's legal team has categorically denied the allegations, claiming the relationship was consensual and accusing Doe of attempting to exploit him. They stated that Williamson had previously reported her alleged extortion attempts to the authorities and plans to file a counterclaim. Williamson, 24, was drafted first overall by the Pelicans in 2019 and has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
USUnited States

Tragic Dog Attack Claims Life of One-Month-Old in New York City

In a heartbreaking incident, a one-month-old baby girl was fatally mauled by a family dog in Long Island City, Queens, New York City, on Tuesday morning. The New York Police Department reported that the attack occurred around 6:30 AM while the infant was sleeping in bed between her mother and stepfather, as stated in a CBS News report. The family's six-month-old German Shepherd-Pit Bull mix suddenly turned violent, leading to the tragic outcome. The mother informed authorities that her child was asleep at the time of the incident. Neighbors expressed shock over the attack, describing the neighborhood as dog-friendly. “As a parent, you don’t expect your pet to attack your child,” said local resident Maria Gutierrez. Animal Control has taken custody of the dog, and local authorities are conducting an investigation, interviewing the parents involved. As of now, no charges have been filed in connection with this heart-wrenching event.
USUnited States