Microsoft has taken the unprecedented step of blocking internal and external emails containing specific sensitive terms related to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The move comes in response to recent protests at Microsoft’s product launch events, including disruptions by Palestinian tech workers and former employees at the Microsoft Build event.
The Email Blocking Policy
According to media reports and confirmation from Microsoft, emails containing words such as ‘Palestine’, ‘Gaza’, and ‘genocide’ are being blocked across both internal and external communications. The blockage has been reported by multiple employees and the No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group.
The NOAA group has alleged that this measure is an attempt to suppress worker free speech and discriminate against Palestinian employees and their allies. Interestingly, emails containing the word ‘Israel’ and variations like ‘P4lestine’ were reportedly not affected by the blockage, suggesting a targeted approach.
Microsoft’s Official Response
In a statement to The Verge, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the company has taken measures to reduce politically focused emails within the organization. The spokesperson emphasized that sending large numbers of emails about non-work-related topics to tens of thousands of employees is not appropriate.
Microsoft has an established forum for employees who have opted-in to receive political issues updates. The spokesperson added that measures were taken to reduce politically focused emails to those who have not opted-in, following a surge in such emails over the past couple of days.
Background and Protests
The email blocking policy is seen as a response to recent protests at Microsoft events. At the Microsoft Build event, Palestinian tech workers and former employees disrupted presentations, protesting Microsoft’s contracts with Israel related to cloud and AI services. Microsoft has acknowledged these contracts but denied any involvement in tools used to target people in Gaza.
Despite Microsoft’s denial, protests have continued, with employees expressing concerns about the company’s involvement in the conflict. The blocking of emails containing certain political terms has further escalated tensions within the company, raising questions about workplace censorship and employee free speech.
