Protester disrupt Microsoft’s anniversary event over AI links to Israeli military

Pro-Palestinian protester disrupted the celebration, demanding accountability for Microsoft’s involvement in Gaza.

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A pro-Palestinian protest interrupted Microsoft’s 50th anniversary event on Friday, highlighting growing backlash over the company’s involvement in the Israeli military's use of artificial intelligence (AI).

The demonstration occurred during a live-streamed presentation led by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, who was showcasing updates to the company’s AI assistant, Copilot.

 

 

 

 

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Ibtihal Aboussad, a Microsoft employee, disrupted the event by shouting accusations against the company for allegedly selling AI technology to the Israeli military, claiming that Microsoft’s AI models were used to select bombing targets in Gaza.

"You claim that you care about using AI for good, but Microsoft sells AI weapons to the Israeli military," Aboussad said. She was escorted off the stage after throwing a keffiyeh scarf, a symbol of Palestinian solidarity, at Suleyman.

 

 

 

 

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The protest is part of a larger wave of discontent from Microsoft employees and activists who have raised concerns about the company’s role in supporting military operations in Gaza.

Reports indicate that Microsoft’s AI models, developed in collaboration with OpenAI, were used to aid the Israeli military in targeting during operations in Gaza and Lebanon.

A second protester, Vaniya Agrawal, also interrupted a portion of the anniversary celebration featuring Microsoft co-founders Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella. Earlier this year, five employees were removed from a meeting with Nadella for similar protests.

The protests come as the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, with the Health Ministry reporting over 50,000 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli airstrikes and military operations.

The US-based tech giant has faced increasing criticism for its business relationships with the Israeli government, with demonstrators condemning the company’s support of the ongoing military actions.

In response to the protests, Microsoft stated, “We provide many avenues for all voices to be heard, and we ask that this be done in a way that does not cause a business disruption.”