A recent investigation prompted by a report from The Guardian has revealed serious concerns regarding Microsoft’s partnership with the Israeli military. In response, Microsoft president Brad Smith announced that the company has ceased access to certain services utilized by the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD).

“We have reviewed The Guardian’s allegations based on two principles, both grounded in Microsoft’s longstanding protection of privacy as a fundamental right,” Smith declared in a statement.
Translation: “Hemos revisado las alegaciones de The Guardian basadas en dos principios, todos fundamentados en la protección de la privacidad por parte de Microsoft como un derecho fundamental.”

Smith continued, clarifying that Microsoft does not support mass surveillance of civilians and reiterated the company’s commitment to customer privacy. This follows prior reviews that found no significant issues, yet the current investigation reaffirmed elements within The Guardian’s report, linking IMOD’s use of Microsoft Azure and AI services to potential privacy violations.

As protests intensify regarding Microsoft’s ties with the Israeli military amidst ongoing conflict in Gaza, the company faces mounting criticism from employees and shareholders. Notably, calls for a boycott of Microsoft products have arisen, particularly from the BDS movement.

Smith emphasized that the review into Microsoft’s services is ongoing, aiming to uphold ethical standards and transparency while ensuring compliance with international privacy laws.