The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced a collaboration with federal agencies to eliminate 69 unused websites, aiming to conserve resources for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of the Interior.
According to Government Technology, federal agencies manage thousands of public-facing websites. Many of these become obsolete or unmanaged after their initial purpose is fulfilled. This proliferation can lead to increased cybersecurity risks, maintenance costs, and confusion among users seeking current information. The initiative by DOGE aligns with recommendations from digital oversight groups to streamline government digital assets and concentrate resources on essential platforms.
Details from DOGE's official announcement on X indicate that 69 unused or obsolete federal websites were recently deleted in partnership with multiple agencies. Specifically, NASA removed 26 sites resulting in annual savings of $500,000; the U.S. National Science Foundation deleted 8 sites saving $868,000 yearly; and the U.S. Department of the Interior eliminated 5 sites for an annual savings of $4.1 million. The department highlighted these reductions as part of ongoing efforts to optimize digital operations and reduce waste.
Before-and-after images shared in DOGE’s post illustrated the deletion of a U.S. Department of Energy website that had promoted a science workshop held in 2004. This example was used by DOGE to demonstrate how outdated content can persist without regular digital review. Federal News Network reported that such outdated websites not only waste resources but also undermine public trust in government online services.
DOGE is a federal agency dedicated to optimizing government spending, reducing waste, and ensuring accountability in contract management. By reviewing expenditures and canceling non-essential contracts, DOGE aims to improve fiscal responsibility and enhance the effectiveness of public resource allocation.
