US tech giant Microsoft has suspended parts of its cloud and AI services to the Israeli army after reports that its Azure platform was used to record Palestinian phone calls. Microsoft President Brad Smith said, “We do not provide technology that facilitates mass surveillance of civilians,” stressing the decision would not affect cybersecurity cooperation.
The move follows an investigation triggered by reports that Israel’s Unit 8200 used Azure to store surveillance data. Microsoft has faced protests over its ties to Israel during its two-year offensive in Gaza.