California College Students File Lawsuit Against US Department of Education Over Unauthorized Access to Student Financial Records

A coalition of California college students has filed a lawsuit against the US Department of Education, accusing an oversight task force associated with tech magnate Elon Musk of unlawfully accessing confidential student financial records.

Allegations of Unauthorized Data Access

The complaint, spearheaded by the University of California Student Association, alleges that Musk’s task force penetrated key Education Department confidential and highly sensitive financial aid records of over one million students. According to a Washington Post report cited in the lawsuit, the task force allegedly accessed classified systems, including the National Student Loan Data System and the Common Origination and Disbursement System—both of which store the personal and financial details of federal aid recipients.

Department of Education Official Confirms Unauthorized Access

An Education Department official, speaking anonymously to USA TODAY, corroborated these allegations, confirming that the task force had access to extensive student datasets. While the agency has not issued a formal response to the lawsuit, a spokesperson declined to comment on pending litigation.

Mounting Concerns Over Privacy and Data Security

The lawsuit demands immediate legal intervention to prevent further unauthorized access by the task force. Aditi Hariharan, president of the University of California Student Association, condemned the alleged breach, emphasizing the fundamental expectation of data security in federal student aid programs.

"When students submit financial aid applications, provide their Social Security numbers, or take out federal loans, they trust that their information will remain protected," Hariharan said to USA TODAY. "The exposure of student borrowers’ private data represents a grave betrayal by our government, and we urge the courts to hold the Department of Education accountable without delay."

Congressional Oversight and Investigative Efforts

The controversy has triggered swift scrutiny from lawmakers. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.) formally requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate the Department of Education’s involvement in multiple federal agencies, including the Education Department. Scott urged the GAO to assess the department’s cybersecurity framework and determine whether proper safeguards were in place.

Simultaneously, a coalition of Democratic senators sent a letter to Acting Education Secretary Denise Carter, demanding transparency regarding the task force’s activities. In response, the GAO confirmed on Friday that it had received Scott’s request and is currently evaluating potential investigative actions.

Uncertain Path Ahead Amidst Legal Proceedings

As the lawsuit unfolds, concerns over student data security continue to mount. While the Education Department has yet to publicly clarify the scope of the task force’s operations, the case has intensified scrutiny over government agencies’ handling of sensitive student information. The legal battle’s outcome could set a crucial precedent for privacy protections and oversight mechanisms within federal education programs.

Published On Feb 12, 2025 at 09:52 AM IST; Updated On Feb 12, 2025 at 09:55 AM IST

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