Summary
Microsoft has stopped providing some cloud computing and AI services to an Israeli military unit, citing concerns that the services were being used for mass surveillance of Palestinians. This action follows a joint investigation by various media outlets which reported that the Israeli military used Microsoft's Azure platform to store and analyze phone call data in occupied Palestinian territories.
Key Facts
- Microsoft canceled certain services to a unit within the Israeli Ministry of Defence.
- The decision was based on an investigative report about potential violations of Microsoft's terms of service.
- The report stated that Unit 8200, an Israeli elite cyber warfare unit, used Microsoft's Azure platform for surveillance activities.
- The investigation revealed an agreement between Microsoft and Unit 8200 in 2021 to use Azure for handling sensitive intelligence data.
- The services facilitated the collection and analysis of phone call data from Palestinians.
- Microsoft confirmed it reviewed the situation and found their terms of service were violated.
- Some of the Israeli Defence Ministry subscriptions for cloud and AI services were canceled.
- Microsoft is conducting an ongoing review with the help of an external law firm to further investigate the allegations.
