Dear Satya Nadella and Microsoft Executive Team,

I am writing to you as a concerned individual, deeply troubled by Microsoft’s involvement in supporting actions that are enabling Israel’s ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Recent events, particularly the brave actions of your employee, Ibtihal Abu Saad, have shed light on a pressing issue that I feel compelled to address with you.

Ibtihal’s disruption of Mustafa Suleyman’s speech during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration was an act of moral courage in the face of a devastating reality. According to Ibtihal, Microsoft’s AI and cloud technologies are being used to support the Israeli government’s military operations in Palestine. This technology enables mass surveillance, data collection, and targeting systems that have directly contributed to the displacement, injury, and death of Palestinian civilians.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has committed unspeakable atrocities against Palestinian civilians, including indiscriminate bombings, targeting of hospitals and schools, and the destruction of entire communities. These actions have been widely condemned by the international community, including human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court, who have denounced Israel’s actions as war crimes. During this time, Microsoft’s technology has reportedly been used by the Israeli military to intensify surveillance, streamline data targeting systems, and carry out attacks on Palestinian civilians, effectively enabling Israel’s campaign of violence.

As a company that prides itself on its mission to "empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more," it is important to consider whether these principles can align with actions that contribute to such widespread human suffering. Is this the legacy that Microsoft wants to leave behind—being complicit in the ongoing ethnic cleansing of an entire population?

In response to these revelations and my concerns about Microsoft’s involvement in such atrocities, I have made the decision to immediately cancel all of my Microsoft subscriptions. As of today, I am canceling the following:

• Xbox Live
• Microsoft Office 365
• Windows 10/11 Subscriptions
• Microsoft Azure Services
• Microsoft 365 Personal/Family Subscriptions
• Microsoft Teams
• OneDrive
• Surface Device Warranty and Support Plans
• Microsoft Store Purchases and Subscriptions

This action reflects my personal stance against Microsoft’s complicity in supporting actions that perpetuate violence and human rights violations. I urge you to take immediate action to review and reconsider these business relationships and end the use of your technologies for such purposes.

I also urge you to take the following actions to address these urgent concerns:

1. End all contracts with Israeli military and government entities: Microsoft should immediately sever ties with any organization or government involved in using its technologies to support violence against Palestinians, including the Israeli military’s use of AI and cloud services for surveillance and targeting.
2. Implement a transparent review process for all contracts involving military or government use: Microsoft must commit to an independent review of all current and future contracts involving military or government entities to ensure they do not contribute to the oppression and displacement of Palestinians.
3. Establish an independent ethics board for AI deployment: A dedicated board should be established to oversee the ethical implications of AI technologies, particularly in conflict zones like Palestine, ensuring that such technologies are not used to facilitate violence and ethnic cleansing.
4. Protect employees who speak out against unethical practices: Employees, such as Ibtihal, who have bravely spoken up about their concerns, should be supported, not silenced. Microsoft must create a workplace culture where employees can raise ethical concerns without fear of retaliation.
5. Commit to full transparency: Microsoft should disclose all details regarding its contracts with Israeli entities, particularly those that involve the use of AI and cloud technologies for military purposes. Transparency will allow the public, employees, and shareholders to understand the full extent of Microsoft’s involvement in these operations.

The atrocities being committed by Israel against Palestinians cannot be ignored. As a leading technology company, Microsoft has the power to prevent its tools and services from being used in ways that fuel these human rights violations. It is crucial that Microsoft take a stand and choose to support peace, justice, and human dignity, rather than contributing to the ongoing suffering and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope that Microsoft will take immediate and responsible action to ensure its technology is used ethically and in a way that promotes peace and human rights.

Sincerely,
The World Around You!