DUBAI — In a major move that has shaken the global tech and political landscape, Microsoft has cut off the Israeli military's access to its advanced cloud and AI tools following revelations that the technology was being used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. The decision reflects growing pressure on global tech companies to uphold human rights principles in conflict zones.The company announced that it would terminate and deactivate specific Azure subscriptions connected to Israel's Ministry of Defense. These include artificial intelligence features and vast data-storage services that were allegedly used to collect and analyze information on millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. While cybersecurity assistance will still be provided, Microsoft emphasized that no technology enabling civilian surveillance will remain available.
This decision came after an in-depth investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call, which revealed that Unit 8200, an Israeli intelligence division, had stored millions of intercepted phone calls and communications on Microsoft servers since 2022. Reports suggest the surveillance data was later used to select airstrike targets, including in densely populated civilian areas.
During the project's development, Microsoft engineers reportedly worked alongside Unit 8200 to ensure compliance with strict security requirements. However, the company insists it never had direct access to any collected data, citing privacy laws and user-data protection policies as the reason for non-intervention.
"We do not and will not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians. This principle is central to our global operations," stated Brad Smith, Microsoft Vice Chair and President, in a press release.
The revelations have further intensified global criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, where more than 65,000 people have been killed amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. Human rights organizations continue to accuse Israel of collective punishment and indiscriminate targeting of civilians, calling for accountability and international oversight.
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