Overview

• At an internal meeting, Smith told staff that employees who broke into and occupied offices would not keep their jobs, calling the conduct beyond protest.
• Microsoft dismissed four workers after a late‑August sit‑in at the president’s office, which Smith described as trespassing and barricading company property.
• Covington & Burling was hired to examine claims that an Israeli military intelligence unit used Azure for broad surveillance of Palestinians, allegations Smith called new to company leaders.
• Smith reiterated that Microsoft bars civilian mass surveillance on its services and said the company is building easier channels for employees to report suspected customer misuse.
• Leadership is increasing dialogue with employee groups, including Jews at Microsoft and Palestinians and Allies at Microsoft, as internal activism continues.