A Call to Action: Microsoft’s Involvement in Human Rights Violations

As a software engineer at Microsoft, I recently disrupted a speech by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. My name is Ibtihal, and I’ve been working on Microsoft’s AI Platform org for the past 3.5 years. I spoke up because I discovered that my work was being used to power the genocide of my people in Palestine.

The Genocide in Palestine

For the past 1.5 years, I’ve witnessed the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people by Israel. The images of innocent children covered in ash and blood, the wails of mourning parents, and the destruction of entire families and communities have forever fractured me. The United Nations, International Court of Justice, and numerous human rights organizations have condemned Israel’s actions, which include indiscriminate carpet bombings, targeting of hospitals and schools, and the continuation of an apartheid state.

Microsoft’s Complicity

When I joined Microsoft, I was excited to contribute to cutting-edge AI technology and its applications for the good of humanity. However, I soon discovered that Microsoft was selling its technology to the Israeli military and government, which uses it to spy on and murder journalists, doctors, aid workers, and entire civilian families. According to AP news, there is a $133 million contract between Microsoft and Israel’s Ministry of Defense. Microsoft’s AI technology is being used to compile information gathered through mass surveillance, which is then used to target Palestinians.

The Impact of Microsoft’s Technology

Microsoft’s technology has enabled the Israeli military to be more lethal and destructive in Gaza than they otherwise could. The company’s cloud and AI services have been used to power the Israeli military’s "target bank" and Palestinian population registry. Microsoft has also been providing software, cloud services, and consulting services to the Israeli military and government, totaling millions in profit.

A Call to Action

As employees of Microsoft, we have a responsibility to speak out against the company’s involvement in human rights violations. We must demand that Microsoft cut ties with the Israeli military and stop selling technology that is being used to kill and oppress innocent people. I urge all Microsoft employees to sign the No Azure for Apartheid petition and join the campaign to add their voice to the growing number of concerned employees.

What You Can Do

If you are concerned about Microsoft’s involvement in human rights violations, there are several things you can do:

• Sign the No Azure for Apartheid petition
• Join the campaign to add your voice to the growing number of concerned employees
• Speak up and urge leadership to drop contracts with the Israeli military
• Start conversations with your coworkers about the issue
• Support organizations that are working to end human rights violations in Palestine

Conclusion

Microsoft’s involvement in human rights violations is a stain on the company’s legacy. As employees, we have a responsibility to speak out and demand that the company takes action to correct its wrongdoings. We must work together to ensure that Microsoft’s technology is not being used to harm and oppress innocent people. By signing the petition, joining the campaign, and speaking out, we can make a difference and help to create a more just and equitable world.