Microsoft to tighten human rights measures after inquiry into Israel’s use of its tech
Summary
Microsoft completed an investigation into how the Israeli military used its cloud technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. The company will introduce stronger human rights controls and adjust how it manages employees with security clearances related to national security.Key Facts
- Microsoft launched the inquiry after reports showed Israel's Unit 8200 used its Azure cloud to store millions of intercepted Palestinian phone calls.
- Following initial findings, Microsoft stopped the Israeli military’s access to its cloud and AI services connected to this surveillance.
- The investigation found some employees in Microsoft’s Israeli subsidiary may have conflicted between company duties and support for the Israeli military.
- Several managers, including the head of Microsoft’s Israeli business, left the company amid a related ethics controversy.
- New measures include stricter review processes before national security contracts and changes in managing employee security clearances.
- Microsoft will carry out regular checks to ensure customers follow its use policies, especially in conflict zones or politically sensitive situations.
- The company’s leadership said they were unaware of the misuse of its technology for mass civilian surveillance.
- Microsoft insists it does not provide tools for mass surveillance but aims to improve its human rights oversight in response.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.