🇪🇺 UPDATE: The EU’s vision; scan first, encrypt later.Supporters call it safety; opponents call it mass surveillance that risks undermining encryption and digital trust. https://t.co/cNkMtJxVm9 ...

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft Corporation has suspended specific services used by an Israeli military unit following revelations of mass surveillance of Palestinian phone calls, marking a significant response to ongoing controversies regarding the misuse of its technology [2][4][5]. Group 1: Company Actions - Microsoft has decided to "cease and disable" certain IMOD subscriptions, including specific cloud storage and AI services, while maintaining its cybersecurity offerings to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries [2]. - The company initiated an "urgent" external investigation into allegations that Israel's intelligence agency stored vast amounts of Palestinian mobile phone data on Microsoft's Azure cloud [5]. - Microsoft has called in the FBI to monitor potential disruptions during protests at its Redmond, Washington campus, indicating heightened scrutiny and response to the situation [6]. Group 2: Reactions and Implications - Pro-Palestinian organizations, such as the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the No Azure for Apartheid campaign, have praised Microsoft's decision as a vindication for tech workers who protested against the company's involvement [3]. - The suspension of services is seen as a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged misuse of Microsoft's technology by the Israeli military [4].

Core Points - Microsoft has blocked an Israeli military unit from accessing certain services after evidence suggested the software was used for surveillance of Palestinian civilian phone calls [1][2] - The internal review by Microsoft confirmed the Israel Ministry of Defence's use of Azure storage and AI services, leading to the decision to disable specific subscriptions [2] - Protests against Microsoft's ties to Israel have been ongoing, with groups like No Azure for Apartheid supporting the company's recent decision [4][7] Company Actions - Microsoft ceased and disabled certain subscriptions for the Israel Ministry of Defence, specifically targeting cloud storage and AI services [2] - The decision will not affect Microsoft's cybersecurity services provided to Israel and other Middle Eastern countries [2] Industry Reactions - Pro-Palestinian groups welcomed Microsoft's decision, viewing it as a victory for tech workers who protested against the company's involvement [4][7] - The investigation that prompted Microsoft's actions was conducted in collaboration with various media outlets, highlighting the scrutiny on tech companies regarding their operations in conflict zones [7]

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has disabled certain cloud and AI services used by a unit within the Israel Ministry of Defense following an internal review that found preliminary evidence supporting media reports of a surveillance system in Gaza and the West Bank [1][5]. Group 1: Investigation Findings - A joint investigation revealed that an Israeli military surveillance agency utilized Microsoft's Azure to store significant amounts of mobile phone call recordings from Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza [2]. - The Guardian's investigation indicated that Israel depended on Microsoft cloud services for extensive surveillance of Palestinians [3]. Group 2: Company Actions - Microsoft has informed the Israeli defense ministry of its decision to cease and disable specific IMOD subscriptions and their associated services, including certain cloud storage and AI technologies [6][8]. - The company emphasized that it does not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians [6][8]. Group 3: Internal Review and Employee Actions - During the ongoing review, Microsoft found evidence supporting aspects of the Guardian's reporting, including details on IMOD's use of Azure storage capacity in the Netherlands [5]. - Microsoft terminated four employees who participated in protests regarding the company's ties to Israel, citing serious breaches of company policies and safety concerns [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has identified that Israel is violating certain terms of service related to its products and emphasizes that it does not provide technology to enable mass surveillance of civilians [1] Group 1 - Microsoft found violations of its terms of service by Israel [1] - The company asserts its commitment to not facilitating mass surveillance of civilians through its technology [1]

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft has disabled certain services for the Israel Ministry of Defense due to allegations of the ministry using Azure for mass surveillance of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank [2] Group 1 - Microsoft publicly announced the service suspension on August 15 [2]