Bold Move: Microsoft cuts services to Israel’s Defense Ministry

Microsoft has suspended certain cloud and AI services to Israel’s defense ministry after investigations revealed its products were used for mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians. According to the Financial Times, the company confirmed evidence supporting claims that Israeli authorities stored surveillance data on Microsoft’s servers.

Source - "Financial Times"

Reports indicated that Israel’s Unit 8200, responsible for signals intelligence, had used Microsoft’s Azure cloud to store data from phone calls gathered through “broad or mass surveillance” in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Microsoft president Brad Smith said the company informed Israel it would “cease and disable” specific subscriptions to ensure compliance with its terms of service.

The move comes amid growing criticism from Microsoft employees and activists protesting its business dealings with Israel, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen. Several staff members involved in protests were fired in August, while the Israeli defense ministry has yet to comment on the suspension.