Microsoft Israel has launched a “urgent” investigation into whether cloud technology is being used for a massive surveillance operation targeting Palestinians. The announcement comes after a new report from the Guardian, followed by two years of protests from both inside and outside the company over a contract with Israel. The company claims it has launched a “urgent” investigation into whether Israel is using cloud business to carry out a massive surveillance operation in Gaza. Microsoft has seen some of the events that have been confused by pro-Palestair protesters over the past two years. This includes celebrations for the 50th anniversary. At Microsoft's 50th anniversary ceremony, employees confused the keynote speech that took place in three Microsoft CEOs (two former and one current CEO) on stage. At another 50th anniversary event, employees reportedly called AI headquarters “using AI for genocide” “war profiters” and shouted “shame you.”
What the report claims about Microsoft and Israeli intelligence reporting agencies
The Guardian report claims that Unit 8200, the Israeli intelligence reporting agency, is using a customized isolated area of Microsoft's Azure cloud platform. The cloud setup was used to create a system where Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank record and store millions of daily calls, according to the report. The report claims that the arrangement is part of a deal with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.The Microsoft investigation will be led by lawyers at law firm Covington & Burling. In a statement to the Guardian, the company said the new report “submits additional, accurate allegations worthy of a complete and urgent review.” The company also pointed out that if Israel uses Azure for large-scale monitoring of civilians, it would be a violation of Microsoft's terms of service.This is the second time Microsoft has launched a legal review of its relationship with the Israeli government. Previous investigations began earlier this year after employee protests. Employee protests disrupt company events and meetings. The study, concluded in May, stated, “So far there is no evidence that Microsoft's Azure and AI technology is being used to target or harm people in the Gaza conflict.” However, the new probes specifically address broad surveillance claims.
