Israel relying on Microsoft cloud for expansive surveillance of Palestinians
9 months ago
- #Microsoft
- #Israel
- #surveillance
- Microsoft's Azure cloud platform was used by Israel's Unit 8200 to store and analyze millions of Palestinian phone calls for mass surveillance.
- The system, operational since 2022, facilitated deadly airstrikes and military operations in Gaza and the West Bank.
- Microsoft claims it was unaware of the surveillance use, but leaked documents and sources indicate close collaboration with Unit 8200.
- The cloud-based system stores calls for about a month, allowing retrieval of conversations of individuals who later become of interest.
- Unit 8200's commander, Yossi Sariel, prioritized the project, leveraging Microsoft's Azure for expansive data storage and AI-driven analysis.
- The system failed to prevent the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, leading to Sariel's resignation.
- Microsoft faced internal and external criticism for its ties to Israel's military and the role of its technology in the Gaza conflict.