Microsoft Launches Inquiry into Military Surveillance Allegations
Microsoft has initiated an “urgent” external investigation into allegations that Israel’s military surveillance agency has exploited its technology for mass surveillance of Palestinians. This decision follows a detailed investigation by The Guardian, which uncovered the involvement of Unit 8200, an Israeli intelligence unit, in utilizing Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform for storing extensive collections of Palestinian mobile phone communications.
Details of the Investigation
The collaborative inquiry with +972 Magazine and Local Call revealed that Unit 8200 has been using a customized area within Azure to archive recordings of millions of daily calls made in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsoft’s response highlighted that such usage would breach its terms of service concerning data obtained through broad civilian surveillance.
Previous Reviews and Findings
This new inquiry, managed by the US law firm Covington & Burling, marks Microsoft’s second external investigation into the application of its technology by the Israeli military. The first review, conducted earlier this year in light of growing dissent within the company, concluded with Microsoft stating it found no evidence that the Israeli military violated its terms of service or utilized Azure to target civilians.
Concerns from Within
Despite these findings, the recent revelations have sparked apprehension among senior Microsoft executives. They fear that some employees in Israel may have withheld critical information about how Unit 8200 employs Azure. The company acknowledged that The Guardian’s recent report presents additional allegations necessitating a comprehensive investigation.
Pressure from Activist Groups
Amidst this scrutiny, Microsoft is also facing pressure from the activist group No Azure for Apartheid, which has accused the company of complicity in human rights violations and has called for the termination of all ties with the Israeli military. In response to the announcement of the inquiry, the group criticized Microsoft, describing the move as a delay tactic against their demands.
The Broader Context of Surveillance
Following the exposure of Unit 8200’s mass surveillance practices, Microsoft has been working to ascertain the types of data held by the unit on Azure. Internal discussions have revealed concerns regarding claims that intelligence from this data has been leveraged to identify bombing targets in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict, which has reportedly resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Next Steps for Microsoft
As the inquiry unfolds, Microsoft has committed to examining its commercial agreements with the Israeli military. The findings, once completed, will be made public, illustrating the company’s stance and actions regarding these serious allegations.
