Microsoft’s office was the scene of a protest on August 26, 2025, led by a group opposing its reported collaborations with the Israeli military.

Seven activists associated with the “No Azure for Apartheid” group were taken into custody after they entered Brad Smith’s office. Among those arrested, two were claimed to be Microsoft employees. The protest was broadcast live on Twitch, showcasing the demonstrators’ actions before the police intervened and secured the building.

The protest’s goal was to hold Microsoft accountable for its alleged complicity in what they termed ‘Israeli apartheid and genocide.’ They demand that the tech giant sever ties with Israel, particularly in reference to the misuse of its Azure cloud platform for surveillance in Gaza.

In response to the unrest, Smith reaffirmed that the bulk of Microsoft’s collaboration with the Israeli Defense Forces concentrates on enhancing cybersecurity for Israel. Expressing understanding for public demonstrations, he stated that individuals can protest in places like the Redmond Transit Center or even on a kayak in nearby lakes. Recently, activists also displayed banners critical of Microsoft during protests on Lake Washington, directly in front of Smith’s residence.

This incident marks the latest in a sequence of protests from the No Azure for Apartheid group, which had previously disrupted Microsoft’s 50th anniversary festivities.

Smith noted that the actions of the two Microsoft employees involved in the office takeover did not align with standard conduct, avoiding a harsher comment on their motivations and the broader implications of employee dissent within such a significant corporation.