Ibtihal Aboussad and Vaniya Agrawal made headlines around the world on Friday when they interrupted Microsoft's 50th anniversary party to protest the company's provision of AI services to Israel's military.
Calling for an end to Microsoft's AI and cloud service contracts with Israeli forces, which are used for targeting and surveillance in Gaza and Lebanon, the pair said the decision to take action followed months of having their concerns over human rights violations ignored by their superiors.
In an interview with Middle East Eye, the former employees talk about what led to their decision to disrupt the high-profile event, including Microsoft's links to Israel's military and the company's response to their concerns, and reflect on whether they have any regrets about taking such bold action.
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Calling for an end to Microsoft's AI and cloud service contracts with Israeli forces, which are used for targeting and surveillance in Gaza and Lebanon, the pair said the decision to take action followed months of having their concerns over human rights violations ignored by their superiors.
In an interview with Middle East Eye, the former employees talk about what led to their decision to disrupt the high-profile event, including Microsoft's links to Israel's military and the company's response to their concerns, and reflect on whether they have any regrets about taking such bold action.
Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR0fZh5SBxxMNYdg0VzRFkg/join
Subscribe to our channel: http://ow.ly/AVlW30n1OWH
Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: https://t.me/MiddleEastEye_TG
Middle East Eye Website: https://middleeasteye.net
Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@middleeasteye
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/MiddleEastEye
Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleEastEye
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye