Pro-Palestinian Microsoft employees protested during the company’s 50th anniversary celebration over AI contracts with the Israeli military. The protest disrupted presentations by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman and involved Bill Gates and Satya Nadella. Protesters criticized Microsoft’s role in supplying AI technology used in Israeli military operations. One employee threw a keffiyeh scarf onto the stage as a symbol of Palestinian support. This follows earlier protests and employee ejections over similar concerns. An AP investigation revealed Microsoft and OpenAI’s AI models were used in Israeli military programs. Microsoft stated it provides avenues for all voices but asks for no business disruptions. Two protesting employees lost access to their work accounts post-protest.
— new from AP News
