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The internet is buzzing with speculation as TikTokers claim that student loans could be forgiven following allegations that Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) illegally accessed private student data. But is there any truth to this viral claim? Let's dive into the details.
Earlier this month, DOGE began accessing the Department of Education's (ED) internal systems, a move tied to President Donald Trump's ongoing efforts to dismantle ED entirely.
This sparked a social media frenzy after TikTok s alleged that the unauthorized access violated the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). According to viral videos, this violation entitles borrowers to full loan forgiveness if they file a FERPA complaint.
The idea quickly gained traction, with TikTok videos on the topic racking up millions of views. s flooded the platform with instructions on how to file complaints, hoping to erase their student debt. However, legal experts are pouring cold water on this theory.
The hard legal truth
"Let me be clear: there is no legal pathway right now for loan forgiveness due to a FERPA violation," said Andrew Miltenberg, a legal expert specializing in education law.
FERPA, established in 1974, protects educational records, including grades, medical files, and financial aid details, from unauthorized access. However, FERPA governs schools, not federal agencies. Even if DOGE's actions were deemed a FERPA violation, students would only be able to file a complaint with ED-not sue for damages or loan forgiveness.
Privacy advocates are also questioning whether DOGE's actions breach the Privacy Act of 1974, which protects against the misuse of personal information. Lawsuits are already underway, including one filed by the University of California Student Association to block DOGE's access to sensitive records.
Social media claims should be taken with a grain of salt
While concerns about privacy violations are valid, there's no legal mechanism linking these allegations to student loan forgiveness. Still, with millions of borrowers watching closely, any developments could have far-reaching implications for student privacy and loan policies in the future.
For now, experts urge caution: viral social media claims may be compelling, but they're no substitute for hard legal facts.