Microsoft fires employee for linking its AI technology to Israel
Published April 6th, 2025 - 07:36 GMT
ALBAWABA - Microsoft recently made headlines after firing Moroccan software engineer, Ibtihal Abu Al-Saad, after she accused the American corporation of reportedly supplying AI technology to Israel during the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, sparking widespread concern over free speech and censorship.
This all comes in after a clip circulating across social media showcased Al-Saad interrpting a speech by Microsoft AI's CEO, Mustafa Suleiman, alongside Bill Gates. The Moroccan employee was heard voicing her concerns and defiance of the corporation's relations with Israel.
Al-Saad was heard shouting, "50,000 people have died." She added, "Stop using AI for genocide, Mustafa... stop using AI for genocide in our region. You have blood on your hands. All of Microsoft has blood on its hands."
Just after the video went viral on social media, several pro-Palestine movements took to their official accounts and urged individuals to boycott Microsoft by ending their Xbox Game Pass subscriptions and refraining from purchasing products linked to the company, including software and games.
"50,000 Palestinians have been murdered with Microsoft technology"
Multiple employee protests disrupted the Microsoft's 50th anniversary celebration at its Washington headquarters targeting the company's support to Israel pic.twitter.com/CqUGyS1RiW — TRT World (@trtworld) April 5, 2025
While several social media users expressed their support for the software engineer, others weren't so keen on her move, further calling it irresponsible and unprofessional. Amid her protest, several human rights groups issued an investigation about the American corporation providing Israel with weapons and technology during its aggression on Gaza, as reported by Fes News.
Another clip of Al-Saad swarmed social media, where she expressed her opinion about the matter. The American corporation's former software engineer said that despite facing the consequences, she didn't want to partake in something that would eventually result in the murder of innocent Palestinians.
She said, "My biggest fear is waking up for my 9 to 5 and realising that my code has killed children today."
Moroccan Harvard graduate and Microsoft engineer Ibtehal Abu Saad disrupted the company's 50th anniversary, accusing AI chief Mustafa Suleyman and Microsoft of aiding Israel's genocide in Gaza through tech and military contracts.
'They might come after me for what I said, but my… https://t.co/LK1bVJWLR6 pic.twitter.com/MTs6Ggxvjp — Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) April 5, 2025
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