- Two Microsoft employees were terminated for breaching Brad Smith’s office.
- Protests targeted Microsoft’s alleged support of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
- The company is investigating and cooperating with law enforcement.
Microsoft confirmed Thursday that it had terminated two employees who breached the office of President Brad Smith earlier this week. The move comes amid growing tensions over protests targeting the company’s alleged involvement in Israeli military operations.
Employee Terminations Follow Office Break-In
The two former employees, identified by the activist group No Azure for Apartheid as Riki Fameli and Anna Hattle, were dismissed after breaking into Smith’s office. Microsoft stated the actions violated company policies and the employee code of conduct. “These incidents are inconsistent with the expectations we maintain for our employees,” a spokesperson said, noting that the company is cooperating with law enforcement to investigate the matter.
According to Smith, the protesters blocked office access, planted devices disguised as phones, and refused to leave until police intervened.
Protests Against Microsoft’s Role in Gaza
The break-in is part of a larger movement by No Azure for Apartheid, a coalition of Microsoft employees opposing the alleged use of the company’s software by the Israeli military in Gaza. The group claims that Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure has been used to store phone call data from Palestinians, prompting the company to initiate a third-party investigation into potential surveillance abuses.
The group has staged multiple actions this year, including at Microsoft’s Build developer conference and during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. Recent campus protests led to 20 arrests, with most individuals unaffiliated with Microsoft.
Broader Tech Industry Context
Microsoft’s swift action mirrors recent decisions by other tech giants. Last year, Google terminated 28 employees after protests over the company’s labor conditions and contracts with the Israeli government. In both cases, employee-led protests targeted high-ranking executives and drew attention to ethical concerns surrounding cloud computing and AI services.
Also Read: Microsoft AI Raids Google DeepMind as Talent War Escalates
Microsoft’s firings highlight the ongoing tension between corporate governance, employee activism, and global human rights concerns. The company faces increased scrutiny as both internal and external stakeholders demand clarity on how its technologies are deployed in conflict zones.
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