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Microsoft blocks Israel’s use of its tech in mass surveillance of Palestinians

(www.theguardian.com)
873 points helsinkiandrew | 1 comments | 25 Sep 25 15:06 UTC | HN request time: 0.236s | source
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codeulike ◴[25 Sep 25 15:22 UTC] No.45373831[source]▶
“I want to note our appreciation for the reporting of the Guardian,” [Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, Brad Smith] wrote, noting that it had brought to light “information we could not access in light of our customer privacy commitments”. He added: “Our review is ongoing.”

Its interesting that they seem to be saying they dont know the full details of how their customers are using Azure, due to privacy commitments.

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AnonymousPlanet ◴[25 Sep 25 15:31 UTC] No.45374001[source]▶
It could also mean "now that someone else has seen it, we can finally act on what we have only privately seen but couldn't admit seeing"
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scuff3d ◴[25 Sep 25 15:41 UTC] No.45374154[source]▶
More likely MS was well aware of what was going on and didn't care until the Guardian forced their hand.
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ms7m ◴[25 Sep 25 15:43 UTC] No.45374205[source]▶
> The disclosures caused alarm among senior Microsoft executives, sparking concerns that some of its Israel-based employees may not have been fully transparent about their knowledge of how Unit 8200 used Azure when questioned as part of the review.

Highly likely, or at least a bit naive -- Completely reasonable to have local staff for a contract this big, but Microsoft should have independently 'double-checked' sooner

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1. lazide ◴[25 Sep 25 16:29 UTC] No.45374931[source]▶
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