Microsoft has "ceased and disabled" certain services to Israel's Ministry of Defence

Microsoft has halted and discontinued certain services to a segment of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) amid an ongoing assessment. This decision followed Brad Smith, Microsoft's vice chair and president, communicating to employees regarding findings from a The Guardian report. The report accused an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) unit of utilizing Azure for storing data files and phone calls obtained through extensive surveillance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Smith noted that evidence was found supporting parts of the report, including details about the IMOD's use of Azure storage in the Netherlands and AI services. Consequently, Microsoft informed the IMOD of its decision to terminate specific subscriptions and services, such as cloud storage and AI technologies.

"This step has been coordinated with the IMOD to ensure compliance with our service terms, focusing on preventing the use of our services for mass civilian surveillance," Smith stated. He emphasized that the decision does not affect Microsoft's significant cybersecurity initiatives benefiting Israel and other Middle Eastern nations, under frameworks like the Abraham Accords.

The group No Azure for Apartheid praised the action as a major success for their campaign. Organizer Hossam Nasr expressed satisfaction with Microsoft becoming the first U.S. tech firm to restrict certain technology sales to the Israeli military amidst the Gaza genocide, according to The Verge. However, he highlighted that most of Microsoft's agreements with the Israeli forces remain, spurring continued advocacy until all demands are met and Palestine attains freedom.

Earlier, following an inquiry by the Associated Press, Microsoft conducted an internal evaluation acknowledging its provision of software, Azure, and Cloud AI services to the IMOD. While no conclusive evidence was found indicating the use of AI to harm civilians in Gaza, the company affirmed adherence to a "standard commercial relationship" with IMOD, ensuring compliance with legal prohibitions against harming individuals.

Last month, protests led by No Azure for Apartheid resulted in the arrest of 18 individuals outside Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Protestors accused Microsoft and local law enforcement of retaliating against their peaceful demonstration with arrests and forceful measures. The police maintained that the arrests were due to aggressive behavior and alleged misdemeanors such as trespassing and resisting arrest.