Could Microsoft be turning a blind eye to human rights violations? On October 10, 2025, prominent human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, made a bold statement urging Microsoft to halt business practices that contribute to severe human rights abuses by the Israeli military. This shocking announcement follows a media investigation that revealed the Israeli military intelligence unit, known as Unit 8200, has allegedly leveraged Microsoft’s Azure cloud services to monitor Palestinian communications.

The investigation, conducted by The Guardian and other outlets, highlighted how this oppressive use of technology has dire implications for daily life in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsoft’s response? A decision to suspend certain military subscriptions and services, which they announced on September 25. Deborah Brown, the deputy director of Human Rights Watch, called this move a significant first step. However, she emphasized that Microsoft needs to dig deeper and ensure its technology isn’t aiding in the repression of Palestinians.

As the situation escalates, Microsoft has promised to review its business relationships with Israeli authorities and provide a response by the end of October. It’s a crucial time for the tech giant, as the ongoing Israeli occupation and reported war crimes against Palestinians call for heightened scrutiny of their operations in the region.

The implications of this investigation are staggering. The use of AI and data-driven military tools raises serious legal concerns, particularly regarding the principle of distinction between military targets and civilians. The human rights organizations involved are demanding not just a review but a comprehensive examination of all contracts tied to the Israeli military.

It’s been reported that Israel’s surveillance system, supported by Azure, is a key player in mass monitoring, allowing for the identification of bombing targets in Gaza. This isn’t merely a technical issue; it’s about human lives. Over 67,000 Palestinians have lost their lives amid this turmoil, including 20,000 children, raising alarms about the role of technology in these tragic events.

Human Rights Watch has been vocal about the need for companies like Microsoft to adhere to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, which mandate that businesses avoid contributing to human rights abuses. Yet, until now, Microsoft had not publicly acknowledged whether it had taken adequate measures to prevent its technologies from being misused. The spotlight is firmly on Microsoft as they navigate this complex and urgent situation.