Update: Microsoft has responded to Game Developer’s request for comment by restating plans to undertake a formal review into a report published by The Guardian that asserts Azure technology is currently being used by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to surveil civilians in Gaza and the West Bank en masse.<\/p>\n
“The Guardian,\u00a0on that date,\u00a0reported that multiple individuals have asserted that the IDF is using Azure for the storage of data files of phone calls obtained through broad or mass surveillance of civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. Microsoft\u2019s standard terms of service prohibit this type of usage,”\u00a0it said in an updated blog post published on August 15<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Game Developer was not made aware the blog post had been updated until now, despite reaching out to Microsoft for comment on August 12 in relation to the open letter published by unionized Arkane staffers in solidarity with the BDS movement.<\/p>\n “Microsoft is turning to the law firm of Covington & Burling\u00a0LLP, with technical assistance from an independent consulting firm, to conduct the review,” continues the updated post. “This will expand on the company\u2019s earlier review, which did not identify any usage by the IDF that violated the company\u2019s terms of service. Microsoft appreciates that The Guardian\u2019s recent report raises additional and precise allegations that merit a full and urgent review. The company will share with the public the factual findings that result from this review, once it is complete.”<\/p>\n