Microsoft Cuts Israeli Surveillance Ties
Microsoft Ends Cloud Services Tied to Israeli Mass Surveillance
Microsoft has moved to cut ties with an Israeli military program accused of using its cloud platform Azure to store phone call data collected from Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The decision followed a two-month internal probe triggered by a report in The Guardian. The investigation alleged that the Israeli Defense Force had used Azure “for the storage of data files of phone calls obtained through broad or mass surveillance of civilians.”
“We have found evidence that supports elements of The Guardian’s reporting,” Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a statement to staff posted online. “We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians.”
Smith said the company had reviewed its findings with Israel’s Ministry of Defense and outlined steps to ensure future compliance. He added that the move would not affect Microsoft’s cybersecurity work with Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.
The Guardian’s exposé, carried out with +972 Magazine and Hebrew-language outlet Local Call, revealed that Israel’s military had been storing vast amounts of intercepted mobile calls from Palestinians using Azure.
The decision has been welcomed by pro-Palestinian groups, including the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the worker-led campaign No Azure for Apartheid. “This is a welcome step and a point of vindication for those brave tech workers who stood up and protested,” said Imraan Siddiqi, executive director of CAIR’s Washington state chapter. Both groups are urging Microsoft to end all ties with the Israeli government.
Microsoft is among several major corporations facing employee unrest over business links to Israel amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict, now stretching into its second year, has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza. Rights groups and a U.N. inquiry have described Israel’s actions as genocide.
The company has faced workplace protests, including sit-ins at its offices, some of which resulted in employee firings. Microsoft maintains the dismissals stemmed from violations of company policy and safety concerns during the demonstrations.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
