Microsoft confirmed last week that it provided AI and cloud services to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during the recent conflict in Gaza, specifically to aid locate and rescue hostages. The disclosure followed internal concerns and media reports about potential misuse of the company’s technologies. The company stated that an independent external review was conducted and found no evidence that Microsoft’s tools had been used to harm civilians in Gaza.
A Business Relationship Bound by Terms of Use
In a formal statement, Microsoft described its collaboration with Israel’s Ministry of Defense as a commercial relationship, noting: “Like with all our customers, the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s use of our products is subject to Microsoft’s Terms of Use.”
The company emphasized that there was no indication that its Azure services, AI platforms, or any other tools had been used to violate Microsoft’s ethical code or harm civilians.
Microsoft’s Emergency Access Policy
Beyond standard service agreements, Microsoft noted that it had provided limited emergency support to the Israeli government in the weeks following the October 7 attacks: “We occasionally grant special access to our technologies beyond our standard Terms of Use. In this case, Microsoft extended such access to assist with hostage rescue efforts,” the company said.
All such support, Microsoft added, was strictly supervised, and not all government requests were approved. The company stressed that its role was focused on saving lives while preserving privacy and human rights.
