Nigeria News Today: Microsoft Disables Israeli Military Services After Guardian Investigation
By Amanabo Ocholi | The Bureau News
Microsoft has announced the suspension of specific cloud and AI services used by an Israeli military unit after preliminary findings supported a Guardian investigation that uncovered mass surveillance of Palestinian phone calls. The move has been widely welcomed by pro-Palestinian groups.
Background to the Investigation
In August, a joint probe by the Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call revealed that Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD) used Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store recordings of countless calls made by Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. The report described it as a form of mass civilian surveillance.
Following the revelations, Microsoft launched an internal review. Company President Brad Smith confirmed on Thursday that the findings supported the investigation’s claims. “We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians,” Smith said in a blog post.
What Microsoft Disabled
The company said it has disabled specific IMOD subscriptions, including Azure cloud storage hosted in the Netherlands and certain AI-powered services. However, it clarified that its cybersecurity offerings to Israel and other Middle Eastern states remain unaffected.
A spokesperson for the Israeli Ministry of Defense declined comment on the announcement. Previously, Israeli military officials insisted their cooperation with firms like Microsoft operated under “legally supervised agreements.”
Reaction from Rights Groups and Workers
Pro-Palestinian groups such as the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the activist network No Azure for Apartheid hailed the decision. “This is a point of vindication for those brave tech workers who stood up and protested,” said Imraan Siddiqi, CAIR’s Washington chapter director.
Microsoft has faced internal unrest, with worker-led protests demanding an end to its contracts with Israel. Some employees were fired earlier this year for joining sit-ins at company offices, including at Brad Smith’s office in Redmond. Microsoft said the terminations followed policy breaches and safety concerns.
Wider Implications
The development comes as global outrage grows over Israel’s two-year-long military campaign in Gaza, which rights experts, scholars, and a UN inquiry have described as possible genocide. The war has killed tens of thousands and displaced the entire Gazan population internally.
Stay updated with The Bureau News for further developments on technology, geopolitics, and Nigeria News Today.