Microsoft cuts off surveillance services for Israel amid controversy

In recent developments, Microsoft has severed access to its cloud and AI services used by the Israel Ministry of Defense, primarily concerning allegations of mass surveillance of Palestinians. This decision follows a report from The Guardian, published in August 2025, which detailed how Israel's military intelligence agency, Unit 8200, exploited Microsoft's Azure cloud platform to collect and analyze millions of phone calls from Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Reports claim that the intercepted data, about 8,000 terabytes, was utilized to inform military operations, including airstrikes. The investigation revealed that Microsoft was aware of the unethical usage of its technology and initiated an internal review, supporting claims that Unit 8200 violated Microsoft's terms of service. The backlash has intensified pressure on Microsoft, not only from the media but also from its employees, some of whom have protested against the company's collaboration with Israel. Microsoft's move is seen as a significant step in responding to allegations of complicity in human rights violations, although intelligence sources indicate a planned transition of the data to Amazon Web Services. As Microsoft continues its review process, the company aims to ensure its technology is not used for similar violations in the future. This situation underscores the broader implications of corporate technology partnerships with government entities involved in surveillance and military operations against civilians, highlighting the growing need for ethical considerations in business practices.