Microsoft AI CEO’s remarks interrupted by pro-Palestinian protester
During Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration on April 4, 2025, in Redmond, Washington, employee Ibtihal Aboussad interrupted AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman's presentation to protest the company's alleged involvement in supplying AI technology to the Israeli military. Aboussad accused Microsoft of profiting from war and contributing to acts of genocide. Suleyman acknowledged the protest before Aboussad was escorted out.
The protest follows an Associated Press investigation revealing that AI models from Microsoft and OpenAI were used by the Israeli military to select bombing targets during conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. The investigation detailed incidents, including a misdirected airstrike in 2023 that resulted in civilian casualties.
In response to the protest, Microsoft stated that it supports free expression through proper channels but expects employees to avoid business disruptions. The company confirmed that Aboussad and another protester lost access to their work accounts following the incident.
This event is part of a broader pattern of employee activism within Microsoft concerning the company's contracts with the Israeli military. Previous internal protests have occurred, with employees expressing concerns about the ethical implications of providing AI and cloud services used in military operations.
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