A Microsoft engineer disrupted the Build developer conference in Seattle. He protested against the company’s cloud and AI deals with the Israeli government.
During CEO Satya Nadella’s keynote, the protester shouted, “Free Palestine!” Security quickly escorted the protester out. Meanwhile, Nadella continued speaking and ignored the disruption.
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Microsoft Employee Leads Disruption
Notably, the protester was Joe Lopez, a firmware engineer at Microsoft. He has worked on the Azure hardware systems team for four years.
In addition, a fired Google employee joined him. That person had taken part in sit-in protests last year against Google’s similar contract with Israel, as reported by The Verge.
Lopez Sends Email to Thousands of Workers
Soon after the protest, Lopez emailed thousands of Microsoft employees. He expressed his frustration with the company’s leadership.
He wrote, “Leadership rejects our claims that Azure technology is being used to target or harm civilians in Gaza,”
“Those of us who have been paying attention know that this is a bold-faced lie. Every byte of data that is stored on the cloud (much of it likely containing data obtained by illegal mass surveillance) can and will be used as justification to level cities and exterminate Palestinians.”
Earlier, Microsoft had stated that its technologies were not used to harm civilians. The company denied the accusations made by protesting employees.
Microsoft Denies Any Wrongdoing
Following the protest, Microsoft conducted an internal review. It described its relationship with Israel’s Ministry of Defense as a “standard commercial” agreement.
Moreover, Microsoft claimed it found no evidence that Azure or its AI tools caused harm. It also said Israel had not violated Microsoft’s terms of service or AI Code of Conduct.
Employee Group Behind the Protest
Meanwhile, the protest was organized by a group called No Azure for Apartheid. This group consists of Microsoft employees who oppose the company’s business with Israel.
On its website, the group says, “Join the growing No Tech for Apartheid movement and demand that Microsoft live up to its own purported ethical values—by ending its direct and indirect complicity in Israeli apartheid and genocide…”
Furthermore, the group urged students, workers, and activists to join the campaign for Palestinian freedom.
Former Employee Criticizes Company Statement
Additionally, Hossam Nasr, a former Microsoft employee, criticized the company’s official response. Nasr had earlier held a vigil outside Microsoft headquarters for Palestinians killed in Gaza. He was reportedly fired afterward.
He said,“In one breath, they claim that their technology is not being used to harm people in Gaza, while also admitting they don’t have insight into how their technologies are being used,”
Therefore, Nasr argued that the company tried to whitewash its image instead of addressing worker concerns.