DOGE plans AI systems overhaul of federal government, raising privacy concerns
A leaked audio recording reportedly revealed that the Trump administration, guided by Thomas Shedd of the General Services Administration, plans to use AI coding agents to automate federal processes and centralize government data. Concerns were raised that the plan could involve aggregating employee personal data without proper consent or legal compliance.
What happened
A leaked audio recording from a recent meeting revealed that Thomas Shedd, a former Tesla engineer and key figure at the General Services Administration's Technology Transformation Services, discussed an administration strategy to integrate AI throughout federal operations.
According to reports, Shedd outlined plans to create 'AI coding agents' trained on existing government software to automate processes and build a centralized database of government contracts.
Reported impact
An employee raised concerns that the plan involved aggregating employees' personal data in a manner that would violate privacy laws without consent.
When questioned about legal compliance, Shedd reportedly responded that the government would 'try to get consent' but should proceed with the project regardless, stating 'If we hit a roadblock, then we hit a roadblock.'
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.