Microsoft President Brad Smith addressed a crowd of reporters Tuesday afternoon after his office was occupied by protesters from the group No Azure for Apartheid, who were protesting the company’s technology contracts with Israel. The seven-person group, which included two current Microsoft employees and one former Google employee, was arrested on charges including trespassing and obstruction.
Smith claimed that the protesters’ actions did not represent the views of Microsoft employees, and that the company is committed to upholding its human rights principles. He said that Microsoft is actively investigating a report from The Guardian alleging misuse of its Azure cloud platform by the Israeli military in Gaza.
The president acknowledged that some information reported by The Guardian was false, but added that “much of what they reported now needs to be tested.” Smith also noted that the vast majority of Microsoft’s work with the Israeli Defense Force is to protect cybersecurity in the region.
In response to questions about the protesters’ breach of security, Smith said that the company would adapt its security measures accordingly. He emphasized that peaceful protests are welcome and encouraged, but condemned the violent occupation of the office building.
Smith concluded the press conference by acknowledging the human toll of the Middle East conflict and Microsoft’s commitment to providing technology in a principled and ethical way.
Source: https://www.geekwire.com/2025/microsoft-president-brad-smith-reclaims-his-office-to-address-infiltration-protests-and-israeli-contracts