seniorspectrumnewspaper – Microsoft has disabled a set of its cloud and AI services used by Israel’s Ministry of Defense following surveillance allegations. The decision comes after a month-long internal review sparked by a report from The Guardian. The report alleged Israel’s Unit 8200 used Microsoft’s Azure cloud to monitor millions of Palestinian phone calls daily.
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Microsoft President Brad Smith confirmed the move in a public statement on Thursday. He said the company had “ceased and disabled” specific services tied to the Israeli ministry. According to Smith, the investigation found credible evidence supporting parts of The Guardian‘s reporting. These include Azure storage usage in the Netherlands and access to Microsoft’s AI tools.
The surveillance platform, reportedly powered by Microsoft’s infrastructure, allegedly helped coordinate airstrikes and shape military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsoft did not confirm these details but acknowledged policy violations. Smith noted that Microsoft’s terms of service prohibit using its technology for mass surveillance of civilians.
The company emphasized that it reached the decision without accessing any Israeli government data stored on its cloud. Instead, the review relied on internal business records, such as financial statements, internal communications, and other documentation. Microsoft has informed the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) and said it will continue its investigation.
Employee Protests and Policy Ethics Drive Microsoft’s Unprecedented Action
Microsoft’s decision comes amid growing internal pressure from employees protesting the company’s ties to Israel’s military. Recent protests included a sit-in where employees entered executive offices. The company responded by calling the police and terminating the employees involved.
These events have placed Microsoft under scrutiny regarding the ethical use of its technologies in global conflict zones. The company’s swift action to terminate services shows a rare example of a tech giant enforcing its ethical use policies against a government client. It also reflects the influence employee activism can have on corporate decision-making.
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So far, Israel’s Ministry of Defense has not issued a public response. However, Microsoft confirmed it has already reviewed its decision with the ministry. The disabled services include specific Azure cloud storage and artificial intelligence capabilities.
Microsoft said it remains committed to transparency and ethical responsibility. Smith added that more information will be shared soon, including lessons from the review and how the company will apply them going forward. The case marks a significant turning point in how tech companies respond to government surveillance concerns.
The outcome of Microsoft’s ongoing investigation could lead to stricter enforcement of cloud service policies across other regions. It also raises broader questions about accountability in the use of artificial intelligence during armed conflicts.
