Microsoft Disables Services to Israeli Defense Unit Over Mass Surveillance
Microsoft suspended cloud and AI services to an Israeli defense unit following an investigation into reports that the services were used to conduct mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. The company found evidence supporting some aspects of the allegations and informed the Israeli Ministry of Defense of the decision.
What happened
Microsoft announced that it deactivated cloud and AI services provided to a unit of Israel's Ministry of Defense that was allegedly using the platform to facilitate mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians. The decision followed an investigation by Microsoft into reports published by The Guardian alleging that Israel used Microsoft's Azure platform to store files containing telephone data obtained through mass surveillance of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
Microsoft president Brad Smith stated that the company found evidence supporting some aspects of The Guardian's reporting, including information about IMOD's use of Azure storage capabilities in the Netherlands and the use of AI services. Smith noted that Microsoft informed IMOD of the decision and does not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians.
Reported impact
Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank were reportedly subject to mass surveillance operations that used data stored on Microsoft's Azure platform. The stored data reportedly included telephone call records obtained through broad monitoring of civilian communications.
Governance controls
Microsoft stated it conducted an urgent review of the allegations and made a decision to suspend services based on evidence found during its investigation. The company informed the Israeli Ministry of Defense of its decision and reviewed the decision with the Israeli defense minister.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.