In the center of Microsoft’s Redmond President Brad Smith’s office It was occupied by activists. The police intervened in the incident and Building 34 was temporarily closed.
Participating in the protest, the group has been organizing an event for a long time No Azure for Apartheid It was a movement. This group opposes Microsoft’s cloud contracts with the Israeli government. The activists opened live broadcasts, opened banners and shouted slogans. The door was hung on the door, claiming that Smith was tried with kr crimes against humanity ”. In addition, balloons were left to the entrance section. Thus, the action spread to different parts of the campus.
Among the participants of the action, two existing Microsoft employees and five former employees were found. Among the names Anna line And Riki Fameli On the way forward, Vaniya Agrawal, Hossam Nasr and Joe Lopez, who were dismissed, were also in the group. However, Abdo Mohamed made the statement on behalf of the group. Mohamed is an engineer who ended his work by Microsoft and is one of the organizers of this campaign. In spite of everything, the group wanted to immediately terminate all cooperation with the company.
The research prepared by Guardian, +972 Magazine and Local Call, the Israeli government Microsoft Azure it had revealed that it stored millions of Palestinians phone calls. This news launched a new debate about Microsoft’s ethical responsibilities. On the other hand, Associated Press reports also included allegations of data cooperation between the Israeli Defense Ministry and Microsoft. In addition, the size and scope of the company’s contracts with Israel did not clarify. However, reports have clearly understood the cause of the protests.
Microsoft management launched an investigation after the incident
Brad Smith was in front of the cameras after the pressure on his office. Smith, who started his statement with the words “was an unusual day today,” to human rights principles stressed that it is connected. However, he said that the company rejected some of the Guardian’s claims. But he acknowledged that some findings should be investigated. Smith said Microsoft went on these claims every day. In addition, the company, Azure platform will not accept the use of the service conditions, he said.
Company security teams, protesters in the office for the purpose of listening to mobile phones and simple registration devices claimed. The Redmond police detained seven people and announced that two of them were still Microsoft employees. Smith said that the occupation and unauthorized entrance cannot be accepted. However, activists did not step back from their demands. The group asked Microsoft to end any business agreement with the Israeli government and army. In addition to all these, the company’s allegations of support from the FBI were put forward.
This event was the continuation of the actions seen in different Microsoft activities throughout the year. For example Build Protesters on the stage at the conference, targeted the company’s executives. There was also a similar deduction during Microsoft’s 50th year celebrations. But this time the incident took place at the company center. However, the impact of protests on the company’s daily operations was reported to be limited. On the other hand, the balance between the freedom of expression of employees and the security of the company began to be discussed again.
The protest group claimed that the messages mentioned in the company’s e-mail system have been blocked. In addition, new news that Microsoft cooperated with the FBI to monitor employees. This showed that protests are directed not only to business agreements, but also against internal communication policies. Group spokesman Mohamed said, “If what we’re doing is insignificant, why were the police out of us?” he asked. This statement summarized the approach and demands of the protesters.
In any case, the occupation in Building 34 was an important test for Microsoft. Both security measures and ethical responsibilities have been re -opened to discussion. As a result of the investigation initiated by the company with an independent law company, it is wondered which steps will be taken. The protest group was reported to be determined to continue its actions. These developments once again raised how the political ties of companies in the world of technology.