Microsoft has taken a decisive step by blocking parts of its cloud and AI services after discovering they were being used by the Israeli military for mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians.
What Happened
An investigation revealed that Unit 8200, Israel’s military intelligence agency, had been storing huge amounts of phone call data on Microsoft’s Azure cloud. This violated the company’s rules, prompting Microsoft to launch an urgent internal review.
Microsoft’s Response
Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President, stated that the company “does not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians.” Following this principle, Microsoft disabled specific subscriptions and services linked to the surveillance project.
What’s Still Allowed
The company clarified that the block is limited to certain AI and cloud tools. It does not mean a total shutdown of Microsoft’s cooperation with Israel — other areas, such as cybersecurity, remain unaffected.
Why It Matters
The move comes after mounting pressure from both employees and international activists, who urged Microsoft to align its technology use with ethical standards. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate about the role of big tech companies in global conflicts.