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Microsoft Employees Protest AI Contracts with Israeli Military at 50th Anniversary

Two employees disrupted speeches by company executives, accusing Microsoft of enabling human rights violations through its AI technology.

REDMOND, WASHINGTON - APRIL 4: A protestor confronts Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman during an event highlighting Microsoft Copilot agents, the company's AI tool, on April 4, 2025 in Redmond, Washington. The company also celebrated its 50th Anniversary. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman speaks at the company's 50th anniversary celebration in Redmond, Washington, U.S., April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Jeffrey Dastin
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Overview

  • During Microsoft's 50th anniversary event, employees Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal publicly protested the company's AI contracts with the Israeli military, alleging complicity in genocide.
  • Aboussad accused Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman of being a 'war profiteer' and claimed the company's technology enables mass surveillance and military targeting in Gaza.
  • Agrawal interrupted a panel featuring Microsoft leaders, including Bill Gates and Satya Nadella, demanding the company end its defense contracts and citing the deaths of 50,000 Palestinians.
  • Both employees sent company-wide emails urging colleagues to sign a petition calling for Microsoft to sever ties with the Israeli military, highlighting ethical concerns about AI in warfare.
  • Microsoft has not addressed the specific allegations but reiterated its policy of providing avenues for employee feedback without disrupting business operations.