Microsoft Servers Hosted Massive Interception of Palestinian Communications, Examination Reveals
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A joint investigation by The Guardian and the Hebrew media outlet Local Call has uncovered evidence that approximately 200 million hours of intercepted calls from Gaza and the West Bank were stored on Microsoft servers and afterward utilized by the Israeli army. The findings, published on August 6, 2025, raise serious questions about the tech giant’s role in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the scope of surveillance operations.
The investigation details how israel has, for several years, leveraged its control over telecommunications infrastructure to intercept communications within Palestinian territories. The alleged operation between Microsoft leadership and Israeli military surveillance agencies reportedly began in 2021.
Scale of the Data collection
The sheer volume of data collected is staggering. Investigators estimate the total data amassed to be “11,500 Israeli military data teraoctes, or around 200 million hours of audio.” this represents one of the largest and most intrusive collections of surveillance data ever compiled on a single population group, according to the report.
Use of Intercepted Data in Military Operations
The collected data was reportedly not simply archived. According to the investigation’s conclusions, the intercepted communications were actively used to inform military actions. Specifically, the data served as a basis for planning bombings in Gaza and facilitating arrests and other military operations in the West Bank.
Microsoft’s Response and Internal Review
Microsoft has acknowledged the storage of the data on its servers but maintains it was unaware of the specific nature of the files. in a company release, a senior official stated that the company is undertaking “an effort” internally to “re-examine the way [the data] are used by the Israeli army” within the current geopolitical context.
The company’s response has been met with skepticism from privacy advocates, who argue that Microsoft should have been more diligent in vetting the purpose of the data storage request. One analyst noted that the scale of the operation suggests a level of collaboration that goes beyond simple data hosting.
Implications for Privacy and International Law
This revelation adds another layer of complexity to the debate surrounding surveillance practices and international law. The extensive collection and utilization of private communications raise concerns about the violation of privacy rights and the potential for abuse. The investigation underscores the growing need for greater transparency and accountability from technology companies operating in conflict zones.
the findings are likely to fuel further scrutiny of the relationship between tech companies and governments engaged in surveillance activities, and will undoubtedly prompt calls for stricter regulations to protect the privacy of individuals in vulnerable populations.
