The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is using artificial intelligence to monitor federal agency communications and assess employees’ sentiment towards President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. The system, which has been largely overshadowed by tariff debates and constitutional concerns, has raised concerns about the erosion of transparency in public institutions.
According to reports, AI tools have automated firings and are being used to evaluate employees’ alignment with the administration’s “mission.” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has even warned staff to watch what they say online. Musk, who leads DOGE as a “special government employee,” claims the system is designed to cut waste and increase efficiency.
However, experts warn that this approach undermines transparency and due process. AI tools are being used to evaluate employees based on surface-level signs of loyalty rather than expertise or ethical judgment. This approach can lead to self-censorship and a culture of fear in the workplace.
Critics argue that this system is prone to errors and creates uncertainty about how performance is measured and by whom. Whistle-blowing, which often reflects loyalty to institutional values, may be silenced as employees become discouraged by the lack of trust in management and mission.
With Musk’s expected departure from DOGE, concerns remain about whether the system will continue to operate without oversight. The US government has a history of adopting new surveillance tools but rarely dismantling them, regardless of their architect’s tenure. This could lead to a shift from policy grounded in principle to regulations grounded in algorithms, weakening the political neutrality of the civil service.
The use of AI to monitor workers for political conformity raises significant concerns about the balance between control and governance. As this system continues to evolve, it is essential to ensure that transparency and due process are maintained, and human judgment remains intact.
Source: https://theconversation.com/doges-ai-surveillance-risks-silencing-whistleblowers-and-weakening-democracy-254358