At Microsoft's Build 2025 conference in Seattle, pro-Palestinian protests have intensified, with former Microsoft engineer Vaniya Agrawal at the forefront. Agrawal, an Indian-American software engineer, has been a vocal critic of Microsoft's alleged $133 million contract with Israel's Ministry of Defense, which reportedly involves providing AI and Azure cloud services to support military operations in Gaza. (theguardian.com)
During the conference, Agrawal, alongside former employee Hossam Nasr, disrupted a session on AI security, confronting Microsoft's Head of Security for AI, Neta Haiby, and Head of Responsible AI, Sarah Bird. This protest is part of a broader movement within the tech industry, where activists are demanding accountability for companies' involvement in military contracts. (apnews.com)
Agrawal's activism began earlier this year when she interrupted Microsoft's 50th anniversary event, accusing the company of enabling violence through its technology. In her resignation letter, she stated, "Microsoft cloud and AI enable the Israeli military to be more lethal and destructive in Gaza." (businesstoday.in)
The protests at Build 2025 reflect growing internal dissent over Microsoft's role in supplying technology to the Israeli military, amid heightened scrutiny over the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict. Microsoft has not publicly commented on the protests or the employees' dismissals. (apnews.com)
These events underscore the increasing tensions between tech companies and their employees over issues of social responsibility and human rights.
Source: NDTV Indian-Origin Techie Vaniya Agrawal Disrupts Microsoft Event Over Gaza, Again
