Microsoft says its Azure and AI tech hasn’t harmed people in Gaza
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Summary
Microsoft has conducted an internal review and an external review to assess whether its Azure and AI software had been used by Israel’s military against Palestinian citizens in Gaza.
The company interviewed employees and assessed documents to look for evidence of harm, but Microsoft admitted that it does not have visibility over how customers use its software.
Two ex-employees disrupted Microsoft’s anniversary event to protest the company’s links with the Israeli defence industry.
Following the protests, Microsoft reviewed its relationship with the Israel Ministry of Defence (IMOD), and said it had not found evidence of misuse of its software, or of IMOD failing to comply with its code of conduct.
Organisers of the No Azure for Apartheid campaign described the review as “filled with lies and contradictions” and said no ethical justification could justify selling technology to an army accused of genocide.