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Microsoft Faces EU Data Complaint Over Alleged Illegal Palestinian Surveillance Data Storage

Microsoft Reimagines DEI Reporting, Halts Traditional Annual Publication

Microsoft Faces EU Data Complaint Over Alleged Illegal Palestinian Surveillance Data Storage

Microsoft Faces EU Data Complaint Over Alleged Illegal Palestinian Surveillance Data Storage

An EU non-profit organization has filed a Microsoft data complaint. It accuses the tech giant of illegally storing Palestinian citizen data. The organization claims this data facilitated Israeli military surveillance.

According to Jaddeh Makhsoos Information Base, Mehr News Agency, citing AFP, reports the Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) confirmed receiving a complaint against the American tech giant. The DPC is currently evaluating this complaint.

Microsoft maintains its European headquarters in Ireland. This makes the country’s Data Protection Commission the lead data regulator for the company. The complainant, named Echo, accuses Microsoft of violating European data protection law.

Echo’s statement asserts that Microsoft illegally processed private Palestinian and European citizen data. This processing enabled surveillance and targeting by the Israeli army, forming a key part of the Microsoft data complaint.

Jaddeh Makhsoos reports, The Guardian newspaper previously revealed that the Israeli army used Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing service. They stored audio call data obtained through widespread citizen surveillance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Microsoft blocked Israeli army access to some cloud services in September 2025 following investigations. However, Echo states new evidence from Microsoft whistleblowers indicates the company quickly moved large amounts of illegally obtained surveillance data after The Guardian published its report.

A Microsoft spokesperson stated: “The data belongs to our customers. The actions this customer took to transfer their data in August were their own choice.”

They added: “These actions in no way hindered our investigation.”

The Guardian reported that Microsoft stored the data on its servers in Ireland and the Netherlands. This made the data subject to the strict regulations of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), further complicating the Microsoft data complaint.

The EU introduced GDPR in 2018. It aims to protect European consumers from the misuse and breaches of personal data.

Microsoft Reimagines DEI Reporting, Halts Traditional Annual Publication

Microsoft Reimagines DEI Reporting, Halts Traditional Annual Publication

Microsoft will not publish its annual Diversity and Inclusion report in 2025. The tech giant has released this comprehensive report since 2019, detailing its progress in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. This decision marks a significant shift in its communication strategy regarding DEI initiatives.

According to Jadeh Makhsoos, Stephanie Toti from Game File questioned Microsoft about the publication of its DEI report this year. Toti observed that the company had not released the report between October and early November, a departure from its usual schedule in previous years. This inquiry prompted Microsoft’s official response.

Frank X. Shaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communications Officer, issued a statement addressing the change. He explained, “We are not publishing the Diversity and Inclusion report this year because our evolution has moved beyond traditional reporting methods.” Shaw added that Microsoft now embraces “dynamic and more accessible formats like stories, videos, and perspectives that demonstrate inclusion in action.” He affirmed the company’s mission and commitment to its culture and values remain steadfast, aiming to empower individuals and organizations.

Toti’s report also highlighted historical context regarding DEI initiatives. She noted that the Donald Trump administration, from its inception, opposed diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within government and corporations. This administration issued directives aimed at reducing such DEI programs.

Jadeh Makhsoos reports that Microsoft did not mention diversity and inclusion programs during its two shareholder meetings in 2025. However, the company emphasized that it will not abandon these initiatives entirely. Instead, Microsoft plans to continue its commitment to diversity and inclusion through different, more operational methods, moving beyond the traditional annual Diversity and Inclusion report format.