Protester Disrupts Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary Copilot Celebration
Disturbance During Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary Event
Root of the Protest
At Microsoft’s recent 50th Anniversary Copilot event, an unexpected interruption occurred when a Microsoft employee, Ibtihal Aboussad, took to the stage to voice serious allegations regarding the company’s involvement in warfare through artificial intelligence (AI). The protest happened during a live presentation led by AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. Aboussad accused Microsoft of complicity in actions that have reportedly led to significant suffering in Palestine, particularly condemning the company for allegedly selling AI technologies to the Israeli military.
Key Statements from the Protester
During the disruption, Aboussad made powerful allegations, stating, "You claim that you care… that you use AI for good… but Microsoft sells AI weapons to the Israeli military. 50,000 people have died." She further emphasized the conflict between Microsoft’s stated values and its operations, declaring, "Shame on you. You are a war profiteer. Stop using AI for genocide." The protester also expressed feelings of moral outrage, claiming that, as an employee, she felt compelled to speak out against what she described as a violation of human rights facilitated by Microsoft’s technology.
Microsoft’s Response
Following the disturbance, Suleyman acknowledged Aboussad’s protest, stating, "Thank you for your protest, I hear your protest." This response appeared to be an attempt to calm the situation without directly addressing the specific claims made by the protester. After the incident, Aboussad was escorted from the event.
Context Behind the Allegations
The accusations raised by Aboussad reference broader claims about Microsoft’s contracts with the Israeli military. According to reports, the Israeli Defense Forces utilize Microsoft’s AI and cloud services to enhance their operations. There are claims that Microsoft Azure technology is employed for data gathering through surveillance, which allegedly contributes to military targeting systems used by Israel.
A report by Drop Site highlighted that Microsoft’s contracts with Israel’s Ministry of Defense are valued at approximately $133 million. The military’s use of Microsoft’s technology reportedly increased significantly around March 2025, resulting in what critics refer to as a problematic partnership that implicates Microsoft in military actions widely condemned as human rights violations.
Aboussad’s Open Letter to Employees
Following the protest, Aboussad sent a detailed email to Microsoft employees, explaining her motivations for speaking out. In the letter, she outlined her role in developing AI technologies and how discovering the military applications of her work deeply troubled her. She expressed anguish over the ongoing violence in her homeland and called for her coworkers to take action against what she views as complicity in these atrocities.
Aboussad emphasized that employees should be aware of how their contributions to the company could indirectly support military operations. She urged her colleagues to support movements opposing Microsoft’s military contracts and share the message that silence equates to complicity.
Calls for Action
Aboussad’s letter included a call for action among her fellow employees. She encouraged them to sign petitions against Microsoft’s military contracts and to maintain open discussions regarding the ethical implications of their work at the company. She pointed out Microsoft’s previous actions regarding human rights issues, invoking past instances where employee protests led to significant changes and divestments in problematic partnerships.
With the situation still developing, it remains to be seen how Microsoft will address these allegations and the ensuing public reaction. The incident has undoubtedly sparked conversations within and outside the tech community about the ethical responsibilities of technology firms in conflict zones and their involvement in military operations.
