TEL AVIV — Microsoft announced Thursday it completed an internal inquiry and implemented new human-rights control measures.
Microsoft initiated the internal inquiry last year after reports revealed the Israeli military used the company's cloud platform to store intercepted Palestinian phone calls. The company terminated the Israeli military's access to cloud and artificial intelligence services for a surveillance project after initial findings showed the military's intelligence unit, Unit 8200, violated company terms of service. A published summary of the inquiry states that the initial factual findings regarding the use of company technology remain unchanged.
The newly implemented measures include updated procedures for overseeing Microsoft employees who hold security clearances issued by foreign governments. Microsoft stated it will adopt internal recommendations to improve the effectiveness of its human-rights governance processes. The company published a document outlining updated procedures for vetting national security-related business agreements before contracts are signed. This document states Microsoft will review its management of employee security clearances in certain countries and implement guidance on navigating clearance requirements for company work.
Microsoft will also conduct periodic reviews to verify customer compliance with acceptable use policies during new political circumstances or changes to sensitive projects. The company plans to implement steps to strengthen human-rights due-diligence processes in conflict-affected and high-risk geographic areas. A published summary of the inquiry stated, "Microsoft does not provide technology to facilitate mass surveillance of civilians."
The head of the company's Israeli business announced a departure from the company last month, and additional managers at the Israeli subsidiary recently exited the company. Senior company executives had previously raised concerns regarding the transparency of Israeli subsidiary employees about Unit 8200's use of company technology. The disclosure of the surveillance operations prompted protests at the company's United States headquarters and a European data center. No Azure for Apartheid, a worker-led group, organized demonstrations at a San Francisco technology conference where the company announced new products this week.
No independent assessment was available for this report.