Microsoft has faced intense scrutiny from its employees over its relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defense, particularly regarding the use of its technology in the conflict in Gaza. In response to these concerns, the company conducted internal and external reviews, concluding that there was no evidence its technology was used to target civilians in Gaza.
The controversy has sparked protests, including one planned by a Microsoft employee-led group called No Azure for Apartheid during the company’s Build conference at the Seattle Convention Center. The group will instead rally at Westlake Park to protest Microsoft’s contract with the Israel Ministry of Defense.
Background of the Controversy
The Guardian reported that the Israel Defense Forces have increasingly relied on tech companies’ cloud systems to store and analyze intelligence data. Although Microsoft wasn’t the primary contractor for Israel’s public-sector cloud infrastructure, its technology was found to be used by the Israeli military for managing the population registry of Palestinians and for communication during airstrikes.
Microsoft’s Response
Microsoft maintains it has a commercial relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defense, providing software and cloud services. The company stated that it works with governments worldwide to protect their national cyberspace against external threats. However, Microsoft admitted it doesn’t have complete visibility into how its technology is used, particularly on private servers or devices.
The company also revealed it provided limited emergency support to the Israeli government following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. Microsoft claimed this support was provided on a “considered and careful basis” to help save hostages’ lives while respecting civilians’ privacy and rights in Gaza.
Employee Reaction
No Azure for Apartheid criticized Microsoft’s explanation, calling it “absurd justifications” for their involvement with the Israeli government. Hossam Nasr, an organizer for the group and a software engineer, pointed out the contradiction in Microsoft’s statement, which both claimed its technology wasn’t harming civilians in Gaza and admitted lacking insight into how its technologies were being used.
The group has a history of protesting Microsoft’s involvement with the Israeli government. Last year, Nasr was one of two employees fired after organizing a vigil on Microsoft’s campus for Palestinians killed in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war. In April, during Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration, two employees disrupted events to protest the company’s ties with Israel and were subsequently fired.
Planned Protests
Despite Microsoft’s statement, No Azure for Apartheid remains undeterred and plans to proceed with its rally. “If any Microsoft executive thinks this statement will make us go away, you could not be more mistaken,” the group stated.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between tech companies and their employees over ethical issues, particularly regarding government contracts and the potential misuse of technology in conflict zones.
