Microsoft releases statement amidst Israel Gaza situation

Amid rising concerns from the employees and public criticism, Microsoft has issued an official statement addressing allegations that the Israeli military used its Azure and AI technologies to target civilians in Gaza.

What made Microsoft release such a statement?

The controversy gained momentum after two former Microsoft employees disrupted the company’s 50th-anniversary event. One of them called Microsoft’s AI CEO, Mustafa Suleyman, a “war profiteer” and demanded that Microsoft “stop using AI for genocide in our region.” The other one interrupted Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, former CEO Steve Ballmer, and current Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

Both individuals also sent separate emails to thousands of coworkers, protesting against the company’s contracts with the Israel Ministry of Defense. They are part of the activist group “No Azure for Apartheid,” which has criticized Microsoft for continuing to provide cloud and AI services to Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD), contrasting it with its decision to stop services in Russia during the Ukraine invasion.

The official statement

In the statement, the tech giant said it had conducted a thorough internal review and brought in an external firm for independent fact-finding to assess the situation. After reviewing internal documents and interviewing several employees, the company concluded there is no evidence indicating that Azure and AI technologies have been used to harm civilians in the conflict in Gaza.

Microsoft acknowledged its commercial relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), confirming that it provides IMOD with software, Azure cloud services, professional services, and Azure AI services, which include language translation.

However, the company emphasized that all Microsoft customers, including IMOD, are bound by Microsoft’s terms of service and conditions, including our Acceptable Use Policy and AI Code of Conduct. These policies require customers to follow responsible AI practices like human oversight and access controls, and prohibit anyone from using Microsoft’s cloud and AI services to harm individuals or companies.

The company further mentioned that in exceptional cases, it provides access to technologies beyond the standard terms of the commercial agreements. One such instance was the emergency support provided to the Israeli government in the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks, specifically to help in hostage rescue operations. Microsoft clarified that the support was given with strict oversight and only in specific cases.

The tech giant also emphasized that it doesn’t develop or supply surveillance or targeting software to militaries, as these tools are usually built in-house or developed by defense companies. Additionally, Microsoft pointed out,

It does not have visibility into how customers use our software on their own servers or other devices.

In closing remarks, Microsoft reaffirmed its commitment to human rights and said it is focused on global cybersecurity. The tech giant also expressed concern over the loss of civilian life in both Israel and Gaza and has provided humanitarian aid to both sides.

You can check out the official statement on Microsoft blogs to read more about the Microsoft Israel Gaza statement.

What was the protestors’ response?

Hossam Nasr, an organizer of No Azure for Apartheid, called Microsoft’s statement contradictory and full of lies. According to the group,

“In their statement yesterday, Microsoft has actually put on record the company’s direct involvement in the Palestinian genocide.”

What do you think about the Microsoft statement? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.