Microsoft has fired two software engineers who protested at company events over the use of its artificial intelligence products by Israel’s military. Ibtihal Aboussad, a Canadian engineer based in Microsoft’s AI division, was let go on Monday due to “just cause, wilful misconduct, disobedience or wilful neglect of duty.” Another employee, Vaniya Agrawal, had planned to resign but her role was terminated immediately.
Both employees spoke out against the company’s involvement with AI technology used by Israel’s military during a recent 50th-anniversary celebration. Aboussad confronted Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, calling him a “war profiteer” and stating that his company powers genocide in the region. Agrawal also interrupted a speech by CEO Satya Nadella, saying she was complicit in Microsoft’s role as a digital weapons manufacturer.
Microsoft maintains it is committed to business practices with high ethical standards but acknowledges employees have raised concerns about AI use in Israel’s military. The company had asked protesters to relocate rather than cause disruptions during events.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/07/microsoft-fires-engineers-who-protested-during-anniversary-celebration.html