Microsoft has terminated access to its Azure cloud computing platform for an elite Israeli intelligence unit. The decision, first reported by the Israeli business publication Calcalist, involved cutting off access to Microsoft’s artificial intelligence services and data storage capabilities.
The action was taken after Microsoft conducted an internal review. The review found that the intelligence unit was using the AI services for facial recognition of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, which constituted a violation of the company’s terms of service and acceptable use policy.
Violation of Acceptable Use Policy
Microsoft maintains policies that prohibit the use of its technology for purposes that infringe on human rights. Following the report by Calcalist, Microsoft investigated the matter and determined that the Israeli intelligence unit’s activities were in breach of these rules. The company officially confirmed to news outlets that it had terminated a customer’s access for violating its acceptable use policy, though it did not name the client, citing customer privacy protocols.
Context of Tech Activism
The termination occurs amid ongoing pressure from tech workers and human rights advocates. Campaigns such as “No Tech for Apartheid” have specifically called on major tech companies, including Microsoft, to end contracts with the Israeli military. This decision by Microsoft represents a direct enforcement of its stated policies against a state intelligence actor utilizing its commercial cloud services.
Concise Cyber 