Microsoft says it found no evidence its technologies were used by the Israeli military to harm civilians in Gaza. Both internal and external reviews were conducted into allegations. There’s a catch, however.
“We have found no evidence to date that Microsoft’s Azure and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza,” the company said.
Microsoft acknowledged it was working with Israel’s Ministry of Defense but pointed out that even commercial use of the firm’s technology is “bound” by Microsoft’s terms of service and conditions of use, including their Acceptable Use Policy.
For months, Microsoft employees and other tech workers have been protesting over Israel’s alleged use of company technology in the Gaza war – even in company events, shouting down executives and organizing campaigns such as “No Azure for Apartheid.”
“Make all ties to the Israeli state, military, and tech industry publicly known, including weapons manufacturers and contractors. Conduct a transparent and independent audit of Microsoft’s technology contracts, services, and investments,” one of the demands posted on the campaign website says.
Microsoft did just that – and now says it found no evidence its cloud and AI services have been used to harm people in Gaza.
On the other hand, Microsoft admitted that, in addition to the commercial relationship with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, the company “provided limited emergency support” to the country in the weeks following the attacks in October 2023.
“We provided this help with significant oversight and on a limited basis, including approval of some requests and denial of others. We believe the company followed its principles on a considered and careful basis, to help save the lives of hostages while also honoring the privacy and other rights of civilians in Gaza,” said the company.
It’s worth noting that in its statement, Microsoft acknowledges that it cannot see how customers use its software on their own servers or devices, including on-premises systems.
In February, an extensive investigation by the news agency Associated Press alleged that American commercial tech tools, including AI, have been used by Israel in active warfare.
Officially, Israel is targeting Hamas militants, but the number of civilians killed has also soared, fueling fears that these tools are contributing to the deaths of innocent people, AP said, naming Microsoft and OpenAI as companies most actively cooperating with Israel.
Workers at other US tech giants have also protested over their ties with Israel. Google changed its AI guidelines in February, removing commitments not to use AI for surveillance or weapons.
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