Microsoft blocks Israeli military from using some Azure services

Microsoft has barred the Israeli Ministry of Defense from using Azure cloud and AI services after uncovering their role in mass surveillance of Palestinian civilians. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice chair, confirmed in an internal memo that the IDF stored “a million calls an hour” on Azure, targeting Palestinian communications.

The decision followed reports exposing the IDF’s data harvesting, which tracked civilian movements and demographics in occupied territories. Smith stated, “We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians,” leading to the disabling of specific IMOD subscriptions.

The IDF has already shifted 8TB of data from Azure, reportedly to Amazon Web Services. This move does not affect Microsoft’s other contracts with Israel, including cybersecurity work under the Abraham Accords.

Pressure from groups like No Azure for Apartheid, which staged protests at Microsoft’s headquarters, amplified scrutiny. Hossam Nasr, an organizer, called the decision “a significant and unprecedented win” but noted that most of Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli military remain active.

Microsoft’s review was spurred by employee protests, resulting in the firing of five workers. The company’s action signals growing concerns over Big Tech’s role in enabling surveillance, with implications for accountability in geopolitical conflicts.