Microsoft has announced that it has found “no evidence” indicating that its artificial intelligence technologies or Microsoft Azure cloud services have been employed to target or harm civilians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a formal statement, the tech powerhouse shared that it conducted an internal review on the matter and enlisted the services of an unnamed external firm for additional fact-finding. This review involved interviewing numerous employees and scrutinizing military documents.

Microsoft confirmed its provision of software, professional services, Azure cloud services, and Azure AI capabilities—including language translation and cybersecurity support—to Israel’s Ministry of Defense (IMOD). However, the company firmly denied that these technologies are being utilized to target civilians.

Despite this assurance, Microsoft acknowledged that it “lacks visibility” into how its software is utilized on customer servers or devices. Furthermore, the company does not oversee operations within the IMOD’s government cloud, which relies on alternative service providers. A Microsoft spokesperson noted, “By definition, our reviews do not cover these situations.”

The statement is unlikely to quell criticism from Microsoft’s detractors. Earlier this year, two employees were dismissed for interrupting a company event to protest the use of Microsoft’s technology by Israel.

Additionally, investigations by media outlets, including The Associated Press, have suggested that commercially available AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI were deployed to select bombing targets in both Gaza and Lebanon. Reports indicate that the Israeli military’s use of these AI technologies surged nearly 200 times following the attacks that began on October 7.

Hossam Nasr, an organizer from No Azure for Apartheid, expressed skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Microsoft’s statements in an interview with GeekWire. He criticized the company’s claims as being “filled with both lies and contradictions,” especially given its acknowledgment of lacking insight into how its technology is being applied in conflict zones.

Microsoft is not the only tech giant facing scrutiny over its role in civilian harm. In 2024, Google terminated 28 employees for participating in a sit-in protest against its involvement in Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud contract with Israel’s government and military.

Microsoft Responds to Controversy Over AI Use in Conflict Zones

In the wake of increasing scrutiny regarding artificial intelligence and its implications in conflict areas, Microsoft has stated that its technologies have not been used to directly target or harm civilians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This assertion comes as part of a broader effort to address concerns raised by various stakeholders about the ethical use of AI in military operations.

Internal and External Review Procedures

The tech giant disclosed that it conducted an internal review and enlisted an unidentified external firm to investigate these claims. This involved interviewing numerous employees and analyzing military documentation to ensure transparency and accountability regarding how its technologies are utilized.

Services Provided to Defense Entities

Microsoft confirmed that it supplies the Israeli Ministry of Defense with various services, including software, Azure cloud solutions, and AI functionalities such as language translation. Additionally, cybersecurity support is part of the offerings. However, the company maintains that these tools are not being employed to target civilians directly.

Limitations of Oversight

Despite its assurances, Microsoft acknowledges its limited capacity to monitor the specific applications of its technologies. A Microsoft spokesperson pointed out that they have no oversight into how clients deploy their software on private servers or in government cloud environments operated by third parties.

Criticism from Advocacy Groups

The statement by Microsoft has not quelled all criticism. Activists have expressed skepticism about the company’s claims, highlighting apparent contradictions. One prominent organizer voiced concerns that Microsoft’s internal insights do not align with its public assertions about the non-harmful use of its technologies.

Bigger Picture in Tech Industry

Microsoft is not alone in facing challenges regarding the ethical usage of its technologies. Other tech firms, such as Google, have also dealt with employee protests related to military contracts, highlighting a growing tension between corporate partnerships and social responsibility in the tech sector.

Future Implications for AI Technologies

As AI continues to evolve and integrate into various sectors, the implications for ethics and accountability become increasingly crucial. The dialogue surrounding AI in military applications raises important questions about the role of tech companies in supporting or mitigating conflict-related harm.