A protester disrupted a speech by Mustafa Suleyman, CEO of Microsoft AI, at the company’s 50th-anniversary event on April 4. The protester, Ibtihal Aboussad, an employee who supports Palestine, accused Suleyman of profiting from war and using AI for genocide.
Aboussad shouted, “You’re the one who profits from war” and “Stop using AI for genocide” as Suleyman discussed the company’s AI assistant products. Suleyman responded, “I hear you” and thanked Aboussad before she was escorted out.
This incident comes after an AP investigation found that Microsoft and OpenAI’s AI models were used in Israel’s military projects. The models helped with targeting in Gaza and Lebanon.
Microsoft says it allows employees to express their opinions without disrupting business. However, Aboussad and another protester were reportedly blocked from their work accounts after the incident.
Background
The use of AI in military projects has raised concerns. Microsoft’s involvement in these projects has sparked controversy among its employees and the public.
Investigation findings
The AP investigation revealed that Microsoft’s AI technology was used in Israel’s military operations. This has led to questions about the company’s ethics and accountability.
- Reuters reported on the incident and the investigation.