Microsoft Confirms Business Ties with Israel's Ministry of Defence, Finds No Evidence of AI Misuse

Microsoft has undertaken an internal review in response to concerns that its Azure and AI technologies were being utilized by the Israel Ministry of Defence to target civilians or cause harm in the Gaza conflict. An investigation by the Associated Press earlier this year alleged that Microsoft's commercial AI products were being used by the Israeli military for mass surveillance and intelligence gathering. Microsoft has since acknowledged providing the IMOD with software, professional services, Azure cloud, and AI services, characterizing their relationship as a 'standard commercial relationship'. Following interviews with dozens of employees and an assessment of documents, the company found no evidence that its technologies have been used to target or harm people in the Gaza conflict. Microsoft emphasized its commitment to human rights, stating that it works with countries and customers worldwide, including the IMOD, to protect against external cyber threats. The company noted that it occasionally provides special access to its technologies beyond commercial agreements, such as emergency support to the Israeli government to rescue hostages. Microsoft stated that the IMOD is bound by its terms of service and conditions of use, which prohibit using cloud and AI services to harm individuals or organizations. The company clarified that it does not have visibility into how customers use its software on their own servers and devices, and it has not created or provided proprietary software for surveillance and operations to the IMOD. Microsoft reiterated its commitment to defending the cybersecurity of Israel and the Middle East, while also upholding human rights and supporting humanitarian assistance in the region.