Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Seattle Convention Center on Monday, attempting to push their way into Microsoft’s annual Build conference. The demonstrators, who oppose Microsoft’s cloud computing work with the Israeli government, were met with resistance from private security guards and Seattle police. One protester was arrested, and several were sprayed with pepper spray.
The protest began with an 11 a.m. rally at Westlake Park, where dozens of “No Azure for Apartheid” demonstrators gathered before marching to the convention center. They blockaded an entrance near the convention center arch and chanted pro-Palestinian slogans, waving banners.
Microsoft has faced increasing pressure from activists, including employees, over its cloud computing work with the Israeli government. The company sells its Azure cloud services and AI products to Israel, which has raised concerns among some employees and external activists. In January, The Guardian reported that Israel Defense Forces were using Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to manage the population registry of Palestinians and for communication during airstrikes.
In response to the criticism, Microsoft conducted internal and external reviews of its work with Israel. The company stated that it found no evidence its technology was used to target people in Gaza. However, the company acknowledged that it doesn’t have complete visibility into how Israel uses its technology.
The protesters, including some former Microsoft employees who were fired or resigned over the company’s involvement with the Israeli government, argue that Microsoft’s justifications for its involvement are “absurd.” The protest highlighted the growing tension between Microsoft and some of its employees and external critics over the company’s involvement in sensitive government contracts.
The Build conference, which continues through Thursday, is expected to draw thousands of tech watchers and Microsoft employees to the Seattle Convention Center. The event kicked off with a keynote address by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, which was briefly interrupted by activists.
Microsoft and Israeli Government Controversy
Microsoft’s work with the Israeli government has been a point of contention among some employees and external activists. The company has maintained that it has a commercial relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defense, providing it with software and cloud services. However, critics argue that this involvement contributes to the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza.
Protest Leader’s Statement
Vaniya Agrawal, who led the march to the convention center, was among those sprayed with pepper spray. Agrawal, a former Microsoft employee who was terminated after disrupting a company event, said she was not expecting the security to be so resistant. “I think to some extent, this shows that (Microsoft is) scared,” she said.
