Microsoft has reportedly cut off cloud services to Unit 8200, a key Israeli military intelligence unit, amid concerns that its technology was being used to process and analyze sensitive surveillance data on Palestinians. The move follows an internal review at Microsoft, which was triggered by reports of the unit’s involvement in a digital surveillance program. The decision represents a rare and significant action by a major U.S. tech company to restrict its services to a foreign military entity on ethical grounds.
The internal investigation reportedly found evidence that data collected through surveillance was being used in a manner inconsistent with Microsoft’s ethical guidelines. While the company has a long-standing relationship with the Israeli government, this move signals a new stance on the use of its technology in sensitive military applications. The controversy highlights a growing tension between global technology firms and governments over the ethical use of powerful AI and cloud services in warfare and intelligence. It also brings the spotlight to the broader Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud computing deal signed between Google, Amazon, and the Israeli government. Sources close to the matter indicate that Microsoft’s decision was made at the highest levels of the company, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations.
