During Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration, an employee made headlines by publicly voicing her concerns over the company’s involvement with artificial intelligence.
Ibtihal Aboussad, a software engineer within Microsoft’s AI Platform organization, confronted the company’s AI division head, Mustafa Suleyman, with a passionate speech. “How dare you all celebrate when Microsoft is killing children? Shame on you all,” she declared, highlighting her belief that the company’s technology is contributing to violence and suffering.
Following her removal from the stage, Aboussad sent an email to several internal distribution lists, addressing her colleagues and reiterating her concerns. She explained her decision to interrupt the event by referencing the ongoing conflict in her home region of Palestine and the perceived misuse of Microsoft technology in that context.
Hi all,
Today, I disrupted a speech by Mustafa Suleyman during Microsoft’s anniversary event. I want to explain why.
My name is Ibtihal, and I’ve been a software engineer at Microsoft for over three years. I felt compelled to speak out after realizing that my work was contributing to the devastation of my people in Palestine. Many of my coworkers who expressed similar concerns have been silenced or retaliated against. There seemed to be no other way to bring attention to the issue.
The ongoing situation in Palestine is dire.
For the past 1.5 years, I have witnessed the degradation of human rights in Palestine, characterized by egregious actions such as widespread bombings and the targeting of civilian infrastructure—acts condemned by international bodies and rights organizations. The toll is staggering, with reports indicating significant casualties and devastation among innocent families.
At present, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with estimates of casualties reaching alarming numbers. Disturbing accounts emerge, including targeted killings of first responders, shedding light on the brutal realities of warfare and accountability.
Our complicity must be acknowledged.
When I joined the AI Platform, I initially aimed to contribute positively through technology. I did not anticipate that my efforts would ultimately support military actions against civilians. Had I known that my work would facilitate surveillance targeting vulnerable populations, I would not have agreed to be part of it.
Reports indicate a significant contract between Microsoft and the Israeli government valued at $133 million, illustrating the scope of corporate involvement in military operations.
The utilization of Microsoft technologies by the Israeli military has escalated markedly, especially in connection with recent conflicts, reflecting an urgent need for scrutiny of such partnerships.
Microsoft has long been entwined with military applications, raising ethical questions about the technologies being developed and their potential impacts on human rights.
The company’s relationship with the Israeli military has now attracted the attention of activists advocating for a boycott, underscoring growing discontent over its practices.
As employees, we must reflect on the legacy we are contributing to. Is it acceptable to be associated with technology that potentially causes harm?
Silence implies complicity in wrongdoing. As members of Microsoft, it is our responsibility to advocate for ethical practices and to oppose the company’s involvement in any actions that infringe upon human rights.
This motivated my decision to take a stand today. I joined a petition calling for Microsoft to cease its ties with entities perpetuating violence and injustice, and I encourage others to do the same.
A call to action
We must unite in demanding that Microsoft terminates its contracts with military organizations that facilitate conflict.
If you share my concerns and want to contribute to a more ethical outcome, please take part in this initiative:
Sign the “No Azure for Apartheid” petition and join us to amplify our voices against the misuse of technology.
Let’s converge to express our disapproval. If you feel misled into supporting harmful technologies, encourage leadership to reconsider these partnerships.
Maintain the dialogue. Push for change within the leadership at every opportunity.
Converse with colleagues about these issues—awareness is crucial.
Microsoft’s human rights policies protect employees who voice concerns regarding ethical issues; we can leverage this to pave the way for change.
Our history shows Microsoft can take the right stand on such matters, and together, we can urge the company to rectify its involvement in these critical human rights violations.
Respectfully,
A concerned Microsoft employee
