It is reported that DOGE is using artificial intelligence to monitor government communications for criticisms of Musk and Trump.

A new report has revealed how the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, is using technology in its processes, allegedly including artificial intelligence to monitor communications. This effort focuses on detecting dialogues deemed hostile towards Musk or former President Donald Trump.

Some executives at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have been informed that DOGE is employing artificial intelligence to monitor communication applications and software, such as Microsoft Teams, for sentiments against Musk or Trump. There are reports that DOGE is paying attention to individuals whose work does not align with the administration's agenda. One manager reportedly warned EPA employees to "be careful what they say, write, and do."

The EPA has not confirmed whether artificial intelligence is being used to monitor employees for disloyalty, although it did comment that it is "exploring the use of artificial intelligence to better optimize the agency's functions and administrative efficiency." Additionally, it stated that it is not employing AI "in personnel decisions in collaboration with DOGE." As part of DOGE's cost-cutting efforts, the EPA has placed nearly 600 workers on leave and committed to reducing its budget by 65%.

On the other hand, it has been reported that DOGE employees are using the Signal app to communicate with each other. This could violate federal record-keeping regulations, as the app allows for automatic deletion of messages after a certain period. There are also security risks that could arise from accidentally inviting a journalist to a confidential conversation about government operations.

Furthermore, some DOGE employees are said to be using Google Docs to collaboratively edit official documents, thereby circumventing usual verification procedures and chains of custody. It has also been noted that staff are utilizing Musk's Grok AI chatbot, although it is unclear exactly for what purpose. This week, it was revealed that the White House wants federal agencies to make the most of "American AI."

DOGE has faced criticism for operating with a high degree of secrecy. The administration has argued that, functioning under the Executive Office of the President, it is not required to allow the public to request access to its records, as would be the case if it were an official government agency. However, last month, a federal judge ordered DOGE to begin providing records of its operations to Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, which had sued for access to such documents under freedom of information laws. Reportedly, as of Monday, this organization had still not received records from DOGE.