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Update (8 April):Microsoft fired the two employees who were involved in a recent protest during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. In an internal email, the termination was attributed as a result of misconduct. Both individuals had sent out mass emails to thousands employees, urging them to end the company’s contracts with the Israeli Government. Microsoft Canada terminated one employee, and the second had submitted his resignation before the demonstration.
Microsoft employee interrupts company’s 50th anniversary celebration to protest artificial intelligence initiatives. He accuses the company of complicity with war crimes. Ibtihal Aboussad, a software engineer, stood up during the Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman’s speech and confronted him directly.
“Shame on you,” Aboussad declared. Suleyman kept his composure and said repeatedly, “Thank you. I hear your protest. Thank you.”
Aboussad carried on her rant as security escorted the venue. But being ejected did not stop her protest. The Verge reported that Microsoft sources said she sent an email to hundreds or thousands of employees.
Explaining the actions of the woman and condemning her company’s involvement with Israel’s military activities.
Aboussad said in her email that she could not remain silent after learning that her work contributed to the “genocide” she called the Palestinians. She accused Microsoft for suppressing internal dissent, and creating a hostile work environment for Arabs, Palestinians, and Muslim employees. She wrote
“For the past year and a half, our Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim community at Microsoft has been silenced, intimidated, harassed, and doxxed, with impunity,” . “Speaking up at best fell on deaf ears, and at worst, led to the firing of two employees for simply holding a vigil.”
Aboussad cited Associated Press reporting regarding a $133-million contract with Israel’s Ministry of Defense. She said that this contract enabled massive data collection and intelligence. According to the report’s findings, Israeli military usage of Microsoft AI services increased in early 2024. Data storage doubled within months. She claims that Israel uses these data for mass surveillance and transcription of intercepted communications, as well as to aid in military strikes. Aboussad claims that Microsoft’s AI makes attacks more deadly and destructive. Aboussad
urged coworkers “No Azure for Apartheid” to sign the petition requesting leadership to sever ties from the Israeli military. She cited Microsoft’s decision to cancel contracts after employee and community protests.
The demonstration is part of a broader unrest in the tech industry. Microsoft, Google and Amazon have all experienced employee backlash due to military and government contracts. This is especially true of Project Nimbus which provides cloud services for the Israeli government. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the protest. It has stated that it adheres ethical guidelines in its AI research. It is unclear whether this incident will result in internal policy changes.
Image Credit: Steve Jurvetson
