Microsoft Fires Two Employees for Protesting Company's Ties to Israeli Military
Microsoft has terminated two employees who participated in a sit-in at the company president's office to protest the firm's contracts with Israel. The protest group, "No Azure for Apartheid," demanded Microsoft sever ties related to allegations that its Azure cloud software is used for surveillance of Palestinians. The company stated the workers were fired for "serious breaches of company policies." The incident follows other employee protests at Microsoft over its work with the Israeli military.
Unpacked:
Allegations include claims that Israeli Defense Forces use Azure to store data from phone calls obtained via mass surveillance of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. These reports, notably from The Guardian, suggest Azure's involvement in broad data collection, which Microsoft states is prohibited by its terms of service and is under formal review.
Microsoft has conducted internal and external reviews, stating that there is no evidence to date that Azure or its AI technologies have been used to target or harm people in Gaza. The company is also undertaking a formal, independent investigation into new, specific allegations and has pledged to share findings publicly.
'No Azure for Apartheid' is a campaign led by Microsoft employees demanding that Microsoft end contracts with Israel, citing the use of Azure technology in alleged human rights abuses and surveillance in Gaza. The group calls for Microsoft to sever ties with the Israeli military and uphold its commitment to human rights.
Yes, Microsoft divested from apartheid South Africa in April 1986, citing human rights concerns. Activists now reference this precedent when urging Microsoft to reconsider its business relations with Israel in light of current allegations.