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

(www.theguardian.com)
873 points helsinkiandrew | 5 comments | 25 Sep 25 15:06 UTC | HN request time: 0.01s | source
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politelemon ◴[25 Sep 25 16:11 UTC] No.45374648[source]▶
I am seeing several kneejerk "Microsoft bad" reactions here, which HNers don't do for many other companies. I encourage many of you to read what is written.

They listened to their internal staff and stakeholders and public pressure, and did terminated the contract instead of ignoring it or doubling down.

That is a good thing.

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n1b0m ◴[25 Sep 25 16:21 UTC] No.45374815[source]▶
They fired staff who protested against the firm’s ties to the IDF.
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sugarpimpdorsey ◴[25 Sep 25 16:28 UTC] No.45374921[source]▶
That's a funny way to say "they fired staff that vandalized company property, broke into the CEO's office, and used an internal company website to publish and promote anti-company propaganda".

That will get you fired from bussing tables or washing dishes, let alone a six-figure job at MS.

Edit: Source on the last one; the first two were widely reported on in media:

https://lunduke.substack.com/p/fired-microsoft-employee-enco...

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nashashmi ◴[25 Sep 25 16:30 UTC] No.45374950[source]▶
One protestor was fired after interrupting a CEO's speech.
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duxup ◴[25 Sep 25 17:18 UTC] No.45375803[source]▶
I feel like interrupting a CEO's speech at a big conference is pretty well understood to be a social indicator of a high level of insubordination. I suspect the protestor knew that too.

The consequences were appropriate, even if I might share some of the protestor's concerns.

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1. snickerdoodle14 ◴[25 Sep 25 17:34 UTC] No.45376072{5}[source]▶
> insubordination

Are we talking about the military or some company?

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2. duxup ◴[25 Sep 25 17:41 UTC] No.45376173[source]▶
I think that term can be / is used for individuals at companies.
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3. gmueckl ◴[25 Sep 25 18:06 UTC] No.45376547[source]▶
US corporate culture has a stronger sense of hierarchy than many other countries. It is an environment where one can get fired quickly and suddenly and that instills a lot of obedience and discipline (if not outright fear) in employees.
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4. fluoridation ◴[25 Sep 25 18:13 UTC] No.45376657[source]▶
LOL. The military isn't the only organization with a hierarchy.
5. duxup ◴[25 Sep 25 18:36 UTC] No.45376972[source]▶
I don't even think you need a strong sense of hierarchy. The meaning of the word would apply anywhere.