Microsoft sought assistance from the FBI in monitoring protests organized by the group “No Azure for Apartheid” targeting the company. The protests, ongoing for about a year, intensified recently with demonstrations at Microsoft’s headquarters, resulting in the arrest of over 20 individuals by the Redmond police.
The group, which consists of current and former Microsoft employees, accuses the company of benefiting from civilian casualties by providing technology and software to the Israeli army, specifically through its Azure cloud services. Two employees staged viral protests during an event in April 2025, prompting Microsoft to seek FBI assistance in identifying potential pro-Palestine protests against the company.
Documents reviewed by Bloomberg reveal Microsoft’s collaboration with authorities since 2024 to prevent protests at its events. This year, the company escalated its efforts by involving the FBI and monitoring former and current employees, as well as their families, who were seen at protests or criticizing Microsoft on social media. Coordination with Seattle authorities aimed to prevent disruptions, although concerns persisted about internal unrest within the company.
The “No Azure for Apartheid” group includes Microsoft employees who have not yet publicly spoken out against the company, with an estimated 200 employees believed to be part of the protest movement.
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