In a joint letter sent to Microsoft on September 26, 2025, Access Now and several human rights groups raised serious concerns.
PUBLISHED: 10 October 2025LAST UPDATED: 10 October 2025
The letter follows a recent investigation by The Guardian, +972 Magazine, and Local Call revealing the extent to which Israel’s military intelligence unit, Unit 8200, has used Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure and AI technologies to store mass surveillance data, process intercepted communications, and power AI-driven targeting systems against Palestinians in Gaza.For decades, Microsoft has enthusiastically invested in its business relations with the Israeli occupation, conveniently brushing aside its long trail of serious human abuses. Through its provision of cloud and AI technologies to the Israeli military, Microsoft has helped erect a brutal architecture of surveillance and control — while Israel has continued with the systematic monitoring, dispossession, and killing of Palestinians, entrenching an unlawful occupation, and perpetuating crimes of apartheid and genocide.
Furthermore, Microsoft announced on September 25 that it had “ceased and disabled” certain Israeli military subscriptions and services.
Access Now is urging a full review and suspension of all ties with the Israeli military and government entities. They emphasize this should apply wherever business activities contribute to serious human rights violations or international crimes. The request includes stopping any direct or indirect supply of AI, cloud systems, software, hardware, training, or financial assistance supporting Israeli military or surveillance operations.In addition, Microsoft’s announcement demonstrates that it can take serious action to address human rights abuses — but this is just the first step. To truly adhere to its stated principles and ethics, Microsoft must go the distance to review and address all complicity the company has in these grave human rights abuses and atrocities.
Isedua Oribhabor, Business & Human Rights Manager at Access Now</strong>
As Microsoft’s formal review into the usage of Microsoft Azure by the IDF Unit 8200 is underway, Access Now and partners further call on Microsoft executives to:
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- Publicly release the full findings of its ongoing review, including the entities and services under investigation as well as measures Microsoft will take to address adverse human rights impacts related to its business with the Israeli military and other government bodies.
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- Ensure its current review thoroughly investigates the use of Microsoft technologies by the Israeli authorities and their human rights impacts, especially in light of the fact that the law firm hired for the current review had et=»_blank» rel=»noreferrer noopener»>previously failed to identify any usage by the IDF that violated the company’s terms of service and Microsoft’s conclusion that it found no evidence that its technologies have been used to target or harm people in the conflict in Gaza.
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- Conduct a heightened human rights due diligence review as required by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
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- Outline steps Microsoft will take to suspend its business with the Israeli military and other government bodies where there is evidence indicating that business is contributing to grave human rights abuses and international crimes.
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- Provide remedy and reparations for Palestinians harmed by the misuse of its technologies.
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Besides, Access Now and partners have initially given Microsoft until October 10, 2025, to respond to their questions and clarify the steps it will take to prevent further human rights violations and uphold its own human rights commitments.<strong> However, Microsoft is expected to send its written response by the end of the month. Access Now will publish their response once received.