Microsoft Blocks Israeli Military’s Access to Azure AI Over Mass‑Surveillance Claims — Xbox Boycott Persists
Microsoft has reportedly cut off access to some Azure cloud and AI services used by an Israeli military unit, after finding those services were being used to store large surveillance datasets, according to The Guardian. The move centers on a single unit and, for now, appears not to affect Microsoft’s broader commercial ties in Israel.
What happened
Last week, Microsoft told Israeli officials that the military’s Unit 8200 had violated Microsoft’s terms of service by storing a large trove of surveillance data in Azure, and the company then “ceased and disabled a set of services to a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense.” The company’s president, Brad Smith, reportedly informed employees of the action by email.
Why it matters
This is notable for two reasons. First, it shows a major cloud provider enforcing its terms against a government military unit. Second, the decision is connected to public pressure: earlier this year activists called for consumer action related to Microsoft’s tech and its links to Israeli military projects. As a result, some people have been asked to cancel Xbox Game Pass or avoid buying Microsoft games and consoles.
Background and BDS
In April, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement added Microsoft to its list of targets. The Palestinian BDS National Committee said at the time, “Microsoft partners with the apartheid regime of Israel and its prison system,” and added, “It provides the Israeli military with Azure cloud and AI services that are central to accelerating Israel’s genocide of 2.3 million Palestinians in the illegally occupied Gaza Strip. After 34 years of deep complicity with Israel’s military, the Israeli army relies heavily on Microsoft to meet technological requirements of its genocide and apartheid regime.” You can read that announcement on the BDS movement site.
Scope and uncertainty
According to reporting, Microsoft’s block targeted Unit 8200 specifically and did not affect its wider commercial relationship with the Israel Defense Forces. However, the exact reach of the restrictions — and whether they will satisfy BDS organizers — remains unclear. For now, Microsoft says it does not provide technology to “facilitate mass surveillance of civilians,” and has taken this step in response to the apparent terms-of-service violation.
Key quotes
“We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians,” Brad Smith wrote, according to the report.
“Microsoft partners with the apartheid regime of Israel and its prison system,” the Palestinian BDS National Committee said. “It provides the Israeli military with Azure cloud and AI services that are central to accelerating Israel’s genocide of 2.3 million Palestinians in the illegally occupied Gaza Strip. After 34 years of deep complicity with Israel’s military, the Israeli army relies heavily on Microsoft to meet technological requirements of its genocide and apartheid regime.”
For now, this is a developing story based on reporting from The Guardian, and details may change as more information becomes available.
