Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-American software engineer and former Microsoft employee, has created another stir at the Microsoft Build 2025 developer conference. Agrawal, along with Hossam Nasr, another ex-Microsoft staffer, interrupted a session led by Microsoft’s AI security head Neta Haiby and Sarah Bird, head of responsible AI. The protesters shouted slogans against Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli government, marking the third consecutive day of pro-Palestine protests at the event.
This incident comes just days after a similar disruption during CEO Satya Nadella’s keynote address, where an attendee shouted “Free Palestine” and demanded accountability from the tech giant. The protests are part of a larger pattern of activism by Agrawal, who had previously made headlines for disrupting Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration in April.
Background of the Protests
During the 50th anniversary event, Agrawal stood up during a panel discussion featuring Satya Nadella, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates, and accused Microsoft of being complicit in the killing of Palestinians in Gaza through their technology. She was subsequently escorted out by security. Following this incident, Agrawal publicly resigned from her position in Microsoft’s artificial intelligence division, citing her opposition to Microsoft’s involvement with Israeli government-linked projects.
Aftermath and Continued Activism
Agrawal was fired immediately after her protest at the 50th anniversary event, without completing her notice period. Despite this, she has continued to be vocal about her cause, sharing updates and photos of ongoing protests at various Microsoft Build 2025 venues on social media. Her actions have sparked wider discussions on the ethical responsibilities of major tech companies and their partnerships with governments.
Growing Scrutiny of Big Tech
The protests come at a time when tech giants like Microsoft are facing increased scrutiny over their ethical responsibilities and partnerships. Other major tech companies, including Telegram and Apple, have faced similar issues regarding compliance and platform misuse. As Agrawal continues to push back against Microsoft’s corporate policies, she is contributing to a broader conversation about how global tech companies navigate geopolitical controversies and user accountability.
