• Microsoft confirms providing AI and cloud services to the Israeli military.
• The company maintains that its technologies were not used to harm civilians in Gaza.
• Internal reviews revealed no evidence of misuse, according to Microsoft.
• The tech giant faces scrutiny over its corporate ethics and military contracts.
• Employee protests call for severance of ties with the Israeli government.

Microsoft has publicly acknowledged its provision of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services to Israel's military, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The company emphasized that its Azure platform was utilized for purposes such as intelligence processing, but reiterated that it found no evidence suggesting its technologies were used to target or harm civilians in Gaza. This statement came following mounting pressure from employees and human rights organizations demanding greater transparency regarding the company's role in the conflict, especially after the October 7 Hamas attack which heightened military operations in the region, according to TRT World, India Times, and Anadolu Agency.

In an effort to address these concerns, Microsoft conducted both internal and external reviews which included interviewing numerous employees and assessing relevant documents. The company concluded that it has not found any evidence suggesting that its Azure or AI technologies were misused in the conflict. However, it noted a limitation, stating it "does not have visibility into how customers use our software on their own servers or other devices," which can hinder fully understanding the applications of its technologies, according to India Times and Anadolu Agency.

Amid these revelations, Microsoft also reported that it provided limited emergency assistance to the Israeli government following the October 7 attacks, which included helping with efforts to rescue hostages. The company asserted that such support was provided with "significant oversight" and was subject to the approval of requests related to military needs, aligning with its ethical framework that includes an Acceptable Use Policy and AI Code of Conduct designed to prevent harm, according to TRT World and Anadolu Agency.

Despite Microsoft's assurances, employee protests have erupted within the company, leading to the termination of several staff members linked to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. Calls have increased for Microsoft to reassess its contracts with the Israeli government due to ethical concerns. Critics argue that the company's strategies may not sufficiently address the humanitarian implications of its actions amid intensified military conflicts, as articulated by reports from India Times and Anadolu Agency.