18 arrested at Microsoft employee protest over company’s Israel contracts: Read statement from Police

At least 18 people were recently arrested at Microsoft’s Redmond campus during the second day of pro-Palestinian protests, a report claims. The group, which included current and former Microsoft employees, was protesting the company’s contracts to supply artificial intelligence technology to the Israeli military. According to a report by Komonews, the local police said that officers responded to a large gathering where protesters allegedly poured paint on a Microsoft sign, blocked a pedestrian bridge, and used stolen furniture to create a barrier. The group named “No Azure For Apartheid” claims the technology is being used to “surveil, starve and kill Palestinians.” In response, the tech giant said it is looking into the use of its Azure platform in Israel.