A recent protest by Microsoft employees at the company’s 50th anniversary celebration drew attention to a contentious issue: the use of artificial intelligence technology by the Israeli military. This demonstration occurred while Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman was updating the audience on the company’s AI assistant, Copilot. Notably present were Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and former CEO Steve Ballmer.
During the presentation, Microsoft employee Ibtihal Aboussad interrupted Suleyman, criticizing his claims about using AI for good. She accused Microsoft of contributing to violence in the region by providing AI technology to the Israeli military, which she claimed was responsible for the deaths of many people. In her passionate expression of dissent, she also brought a keffiyeh scarf on stage, a symbol often associated with solidarity for the Palestinian cause, before being escorted away.
Another protester, Vaniya Agrawal, took the stage during a moment featuring Gates, Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella, marking the first time the three leaders were together since 2014.
Media reports earlier this year indicated that AI systems from Microsoft and OpenAI were reportedly utilized in an Israeli military program for selecting bombing targets amid conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The investigation also highlighted a tragic incident where an Israeli airstrike mistakenly hit a vehicle containing a family, resulting in the deaths of several young children and their grandmother.
In a separate incident in February, five Microsoft employees were removed from a meeting with CEO Satya Nadella after they expressed their objections to the company’s contracts related to military technology. The recent protest, however, was much more visible, occurring during a livestreamed event showcasing Microsoft’s history and future.
In response to the disruption, Microsoft stated that it encourages open dialogue but emphasized that such expressions should not disrupt business operations. The company did not confirm whether any further actions would be taken regarding the protests.
