Microsoft Investigates Allegations of Its Technology Being Used for Mass Surveillance of Palestinians by Israel

Microsoft has launched an urgent investigation into whether Israel’s military surveillance agency improperly used its technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. This inquiry follows a report by The Guardian that revealed Unit 8200 utilized Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store millions of phone call recordings from Gaza and the West Bank.

Microsoft’s response comes after a joint investigation with Israeli-Palestinian publication +972 Magazine and local media outlet Local Call, which highlighted how Unit 8200 created a specialized area in Azure to manage this vast trove of data. Microsoft emphasized that storing data obtained through mass surveillance is against its terms of service.

This is not Microsoft’s first scrutiny. Earlier this year, the company commissioned a review amid employee concerns over its technology’s role during military operations in Gaza. In May, Microsoft stated it found no breach of policy by the Israeli military. However, the current situation has raised new alarms among executives, particularly about potential undisclosed practices by Israel-based staff regarding Azure’s usage.

The inquiry will be managed by external lawyers from Covington & Burling and aims to delve deeper into allegations raised in the recent investigation. Microsoft acknowledged that these claims require thorough examination. The renewed scrutiny is also fueled by a worker-led campaign group called No Azure for Apartheid, which accuses Microsoft of complicity in human rights abuses and urges the company to sever ties with the Israeli military.

Since the Guardian’s report, Microsoft has been working to assess what kind of data is stored in Azure by Unit 8200. Inside sources indicate that leaders at Microsoft are uneasy that intelligence from these stored calls might have been utilized for military actions, including targeting decisions in Gaza. The devastation from the ongoing conflict has been staggering. Reports indicate that over 60,000 people have died in the region due to military actions since the escalation on October 7, 2023.

Historical context is also significant here. Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in heavy civilian casualties in past conflicts. The current situation draws comparisons to earlier military campaigns where technology and data analytics played increasingly critical roles in warfare.

Moreover, an examination of previous collaborations between tech companies and military organizations shows a growing tension over ethical responsibilities. As awareness increases, public pressure mounts on tech giants to ensure their platforms do not contribute to human rights violations.

The inquiry’s findings will be disclosed to the public once completed, as Microsoft aims for transparency and accountability regarding its software’s use in sensitive scenarios. The conversation around technology, surveillance, and ethics is more crucial than ever as companies navigate these complex waters.



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