Around a dozen current and former federal workers have launched a new website, "We the Builders", as a secure outlet to share anonymous stories and technical expertise about the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) dismantling of government agencies.

The website aims to inform the general public about what's happening inside federal agencies and explain how DOGE's access to government tech systems could impact citizens in tangible ways across the country. According to a former federal worker behind the project, the goal is to "make sure that people understand that data matters" and to provide a platform for workers to share their stories without fear of retribution or harassment.

The website is a response to DOGE's approach to efficiency, which the creators describe as "Disruption Without Understanding", in contrast to the former US Digital Service's method of "Precision Engineering for Public Good". The team behind "We the Builders" is working with a security consultant to ensure that submissions remain secure and anonymous to the public, and plans to vet submissions for accuracy and confirm that they come from real federal workers.

The website already hosts a couple of anonymous blog posts explaining the work of the US Digital Service and comparing its approach to DOGE's. The former government employee hopes that visitors to the website "can walk away with a more nuanced understanding of what's happening" and that federal workers can see stories of people like them, feel supported, and make informed decisions for themselves.

This new platform comes as social media forums like Reddit and Instagram have become gathering places for federal workers to commiserate, but "We the Builders" aims to offer a more secure and anonymous outlet for workers who may be fearful to share their stories even through an anonymous social media account.

The launch of "We the Builders" highlights the growing tension between federal workers and the Department of Government Efficiency, and raises questions about the impact of DOGE's approach on government agencies and citizens. As the website continues to grow and share more stories, it may provide valuable insights into the inner workings of government agencies and the effects of DOGE's policies.

For federal workers who want to share their stories, the website provides a secure outlet to do so. Lauren Feiner, a senior policy reporter at The Verge, is available to receive tips securely on a personal device via Signal.

The launch of "We the Builders" marks a significant development in the ongoing saga of DOGE's impact on government agencies, and its implications will be closely watched in the coming weeks and months.