San Francisco, United States – Microsoft on Thursday said it cut an Israeli defense unit’s access to some cloud services apparently being used as part of a mass surveillance operation in Gaza.
“We have found evidence that supports elements of The Guardian’s reporting,” Microsoft president Brad Smith said in a message to employees posted online.
“We do not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians.”
Microsoft reviewed the decision with the Israel Ministry of Defense along with steps the tech firm is taking to ensure compliance, according to Smith.
“This does not impact the important work that Microsoft continues to do to protect the cybersecurity of Israel and other countries in the Middle East,” Smith said.
