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The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is embarking on an ambitious project to overhaul the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) core systems, aiming to migrate from COBOL to a modern language like Java in mere months. This rapid transition, spearheaded by Steve Davis, a key figure from Elon Musk’s team, raises serious concerns about the stability and security of benefits for over 65 million Americans.
Experts warn that such a swift migration could lead to payment disruptions and “invisible errors,” potentially leaving beneficiaries without crucial support. The SSA’s infrastructure, largely unchanged since the 1980s, relies heavily on COBOL, a language integral to payment processing and social security number management. Any misstep during this accelerated rewrite could trigger widespread system failures.
This isn’t the first attempt to modernize SSA’s systems. A 2017 initiative, projected to take five years, was sidelined due to the 2020 pandemic. Now, under increased pressure and budget cuts, DOGE’s aggressive timeline raises eyebrows, especially considering recent website crashes and phone line delays at the SSA.
The proposed migration might involve generative AI to expedite the process, raising concerns about accuracy and unforeseen issues. Critics suggest that focusing on speed over thoroughness could destabilize the system, comparing it to “pulling pieces out” of a “house of cards.”
Adding to the intrigue, DOGE operatives, including inexperienced engineers, are already embedded within the SSA. They are purportedly working on projects like the “Are You Alive Project,” aimed at identifying improper payments. This effort comes after Elon Musk falsely claimed widespread fraud within the agency, pointing to alleged data showing 150-year-olds receiving benefits.
As DOGE pushes forward, the stakes are high. The integrity of Social Security benefits hangs in the balance, making this rapid code migration a gamble with potentially severe consequences for millions.