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

(www.theguardian.com)

873 points helsinkiandrew | 4 comments | 25 Sep 25 15:06 UTC | HN request time: 0.4s | 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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covercash ◴[25 Sep 25 15:59 UTC] No.45374443[source]▶

>>45373831 #

Weird, pretty sure employees brought this to their attention a few times already…

https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-azure-gaza-palestine-is...

https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-azure-gaza-israel-prote...

https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-build-israel-gaza-prote...

https://apnews.com/article/microsoft-protest-employees-fired...

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cl0ckt0wer ◴[25 Sep 25 16:05 UTC] No.45374564[source]▶

>>45374443 #

If they act on information their employees report, they are violating their commitments.

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sc68cal ◴[25 Sep 25 16:14 UTC] No.45374712[source]▶

>>45374564 #

There have been public reports by major news organizations on the subject of Israel using big tech companies to surveil the West Bank and Gaza, for a decade. This isn't an issue of customer privacy.

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meowface ◴[25 Sep 25 16:21 UTC] No.45374817[source]▶

>>45374712 #

The difference is that pre-2023 it could at least have some plausible excuse of trying to detect terrorist activity. With Israel's current actions in Gaza, there is no longer any plausible excuse or defense for any security action Israel is conducting towards Palestinians.

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Aarostotle ◴[25 Sep 25 16:38 UTC] No.45375095[source]▶

>>45374817 #

Did something happen in 2023 that makes it _less_ relevant for Israel to try to prevent terrorist activity?

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1. fahhem ◴[25 Sep 25 19:38 UTC] No.45377905[source]▶

>>45376760 #

Same bogus website used earlier. Please don't copy pasta bad hasbara

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2. SilverElfin ◴[25 Sep 25 20:07 UTC] No.45378267{3}[source]▶

>>45377905 #

Dismissing something as a “bogus website” or attacking the source isn’t an argument. It’s a logical fallacy.