Activists Disrupt Microsoft Conference Over Alleged Support for Israeli Military
Activists from the No Azure for Apartheid campaign disrupted a Microsoft AI conference at the University of Seattle on June 19, 2025, accusing the company of enabling Israeli military operations in Gaza. Microsoft has confirmed providing cloud and AI services to Israel's Defense Ministry but denies evidence its technology is used to harm civilians, while an Associated Press investigation reportedly found Microsoft and OpenAI AI models were used in Israeli military targeting programs.
What happened
On June 19, 2025, activists from the group No Azure for Apartheid disrupted a Microsoft-sponsored conference on AI ethics and governance at the University of Seattle. Activists interrupted speeches by Mike Jackson, head of Microsoft's Responsible AI office, and Teresa Hutson, vice president of corporate responsibility, holding signs reading 'Irresponsible AI' and 'Stop all contracts with Israel immediately,' before Jackson left the platform and the session was cancelled.
According to an Associated Press investigation from early 2025, Microsoft and OpenAI AI models were used as part of an Israeli military program to select bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon. In mid-May 2025, Microsoft confirmed providing cloud computing and AI services to Israel's Ministry of Defense, but stated it found no evidence the technology was used to harm civilians.
Reported impact
The activists' disruption forced the cancellation of the conference session and evacuation of the hall. Conference organizers deleted questions about Palestine and Gaza from a virtual Q&A system and called police to threaten arrest, according to activist statements.
The campaign reported that Microsoft has dismissed multiple employees including Vania Agrawal, Joe Lopez, Hossam Nasr, and Ibtihaal Abu Saad for expressing support for Gaza.
Index analysis
The activists frame Microsoft's provision of AI and cloud services to Israel's military as enabling alleged genocide, creating tension between the company's stated commitment to responsible AI governance and its contracts with Israeli defense authorities.
Microsoft's statement denying evidence of civilian harm contrasts with the Associated Press finding that Microsoft and OpenAI AI was used in an Israeli military targeting program.
Governance controls
Microsoft has a Responsible AI office led by Mike Jackson, which was disrupted during the conference. The company states it reviewed the use of its technology but maintains no evidence links it to civilian casualties.
The campaign activists demand four commitments: termination of all Microsoft contracts with Israeli government and military, full disclosure of Israeli institutional relationships, a public permanent ceasefire statement, and protection of pro-Palestine speech within the company.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.