A software engineer at Microsoft’s AI division interrupted the company’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, protesting the use of Microsoft’s AI products by the Israeli military. The protester, Ibtihal Aboussad, accused Microsoft of selling its technology to power genocide in Palestine.
Aboussad, who works on Microsoft’s speech recognition engine team, was swiftly escorted out of the event and later sent an email to Microsoft executives, including CEO Satya Nadella and AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. In the email, she claimed that her colleagues were silenced and intimidated for raising concerns about Microsoft’s role in the military-industrial complex.
Another software engineer, Vaniya Agrawal, also interrupted a speech by Nadella at a separate event on the same day. She later resigned from the company, saying that she could no longer work for a company that powers surveillance and apartheid.
Microsoft has denied allegations of wrongdoing, stating that it is committed to adhering to business practices. However, the protesters argue that Microsoft’s actions have devastating consequences, including the loss of human life in Palestine.
The incident highlights growing concerns about AI companies’ role in military applications and their potential impact on human rights. As AI technology becomes increasingly pervasive, it is essential for companies like Microsoft to prioritize transparency and accountability.
The protest also raises questions about the responsibility that comes with working for a tech giant. Can employees truly disavow complicity by leaving their jobs, or does their labor still contribute to the system? The incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater scrutiny and debate around AI’s role in the military-industrial complex.
The controversy surrounding Microsoft’s use of AI by the Israeli military has sparked a wider conversation about the ethics of tech companies’ involvement in military projects. As AI continues to shape the world, it is crucial that companies like Microsoft prioritize human rights and accountability over profits.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/04/microsoft-50-birthday-party-interrupted-by-employees-protesting-ai-use.html