The young engineer joins Musk’s government efficiency initiative, sparking debates on security and experience
Akash Bobba, a 22-year-old engineer of Indian origin, has been recruited by Elon Musk to be part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Bobba, alongside five other young engineers, was hired to modernize government systems, a move that has raised concerns over their lack of experience in the government sector and potential security risks, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Bobba’s rise in Silicon Valley and his role in the DOGE initiative
A graduate of UC Berkeley’s prestigious Management, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MET) program, Bobba has made a name for himself in Silicon Valley with internships at leading companies such as Meta, Palantir, and Bridgewater Associates. Known for his exceptional problem-solving skills, Bobba once rewrote an entire project overnight after a teammate accidentally deleted it right before a deadline. His former classmate, Charis Zhang, shared this story on social media, praising Bobba’s dedication and skill.
The hiring of young engineers by DOGE has sparked criticism
While Bobba’s abilities are widely acknowledged, his appointment, along with others from the DOGE team, has raised concerns over the lack of government experience among the new hires.
Critics argue that granting individuals with minimal government experience top access to sensitive federal IT systems could pose significant security risks. Reports suggest that at least four members of the new DOGE team, including Bobba, now have top-level security clearances, leading to questions about the initiative’s oversight and competence.
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