Microsoft to tighten human rights measures after inquiry into Israel’s use of its tech Microsoft has concluded an inquiry into how the Israeli military used its cloud technology for Palestinian surveillance and is implementing new human-rights controls. The company will change how it oversees employees with foreign government security clearances and vet national security-related business before contracts are signed. These measures follow revelations that the Israeli military’s Unit 8200 used Microsoft’s Azure platform for mass surveillance, leading to the termination of their access to certain services.

• Microsoft is enhancing human-rights controls for contracts with national security agencies.
• An inquiry confirmed the Israeli military used Microsoft’s cloud for Palestinian surveillance.
• New measures include changes to employee oversight with foreign security clearances.
• The company will strengthen due-diligence processes in high-risk areas.
• Microsoft terminated the Israeli military’s access to services used for the surveillance project.
• The revelations sparked protests and demands for transparency from shareholders and NGOs.