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Microsoft blocks emails that contain ‘Palestine’ after employee protests

May 24, 2025 - theverge.com
Microsoft has implemented email restrictions that temporarily block messages containing terms like “Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “Genocide” from being sent internally and externally, according to reports from the No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group. This move has sparked accusations of censorship and discrimination against Palestinian workers and their allies. Microsoft confirmed these changes, stating they aim to reduce politically focused emails and maintain work-related communication. The company has an established forum for employees interested in political issues, but recent mass emails prompted measures to limit such communications to those who have opted in.

The email restrictions coincide with protests by current and former Microsoft employees against the company’s contracts with the Israeli government during the Build developer conference. Incidents included disruptions during keynotes and presentations, leading to the firing of an employee, Joe Lopez, who protested against Microsoft’s involvement with Israel. Despite acknowledging its cloud and AI contracts with Israel, Microsoft maintains that reviews found no evidence of its tools being used to harm people in Gaza.

Key takeaways:

  • Microsoft employees have reported that emails containing the terms "Palestine," "Gaza," and "Genocide" are being temporarily blocked from being sent.
  • The No Azure for Apartheid (NOAA) protest group claims this is an attempt by Microsoft to silence worker free speech and discriminate against Palestinian workers and their allies.
  • Microsoft confirmed it has implemented email changes to reduce politically focused emails, stating that emailing large numbers of employees about non-work topics is inappropriate.
  • Protests by current and former Microsoft employees against the company's contracts with the Israeli government occurred during the Microsoft Build developer conference.
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