The Inside Story Podcast

Can Microsoft’s move to cut ties with the Israeli army make a difference in Gaza?

Sep 27, 2025
Taghreed El-Khodary, a Palestinian journalist, provides insight into the pervasive effects of surveillance on daily life in Gaza and the West Bank, describing a climate of fear and self-censorship. Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, critiques Microsoft's late response to its role in Israel's military actions, noting the ethical implications of tech firms in war. Both guests discuss how corporate pressure might influence change and the potential for technology to act as a tool of oppression, raising urgent moral questions.
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INSIGHT

Cloud Enabled Dragnet Surveillance

  • Microsoft provided Azure cloud services that enabled large-scale data storage and analysis for Israel's Unit 8200.
  • Outsourcing to cloud platforms made dragnet surveillance of Palestinians technically feasible and more efficient.
INSIGHT

Delay Despite Warning Signs

  • Microsoft waited until press exposés before cutting some services to the Israeli military.
  • Kenneth Roth argues the company showed an "amazing lack of curiosity" given prior warnings of abusive uses.
ANECDOTE

Everyday Fear And A Family Tragedy

  • Taghreed El-Khodary describes everyday Palestinian self-censorship and fear of being misidentified by AI.
  • She recounts the Khorshid family's strike that killed over 40 relatives and amplified mistrust of surveillance tools.
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