Archive · 20 May 2025
Microsoft Build 2025 Interrupted by Employee Protesting Israel Ties
At a Microsoft tech conference, a Microsoft employee named Joe Lopez interrupted the CEO to protest the company's work with the Israeli government.
He was upset because he believes Microsoft's technology, especially Azure, is being used to harm Palestinians.
Lopez said Microsoft should stop supporting Israel's actions.
He sent an email about his concerns, disagreeing with Microsoft's claim that their technology isn't causing harm.
This wasn't the first time Microsoft employees have protested this year.
A Microsoft employee, Joe Lopez, interrupted the CEO's keynote at Microsoft Build 2025, accusing the company of harming Palestinians.
Lopez, a firmware engineer, protested Microsoft's alleged role in Israel's actions against Palestinians, specifically mentioning Azure technology.
Following the protest, Lopez sent an internal email explaining his actions and criticizing Microsoft's stance.
Lopez's email referenced a Microsoft blog post that stated no evidence of Azure or AI technologies being used to harm people in Gaza was found.
This is not the first pro-Palestine protest within Microsoft, with previous incidents involving other employees.
- Who
- Microsoft employee Joe Lopez, along with other Microsoft employees protesting the company's actions.
- What
- A Microsoft employee interrupted the CEO's keynote speech to protest the company's work with the Israeli government.
- When
- During the Microsoft Build 2025 event on May 20, 2025.
- Where
- Microsoft Build 2025 in Seattle.
- Why
- To protest Microsoft's alleged role in enabling harm to Palestinians.
Protesters
Microsoft
Technology Use
Protesters
Microsoft's Azure technology is used to enable harm to Palestinians.
Microsoft
Microsoft has not found any evidence of its Azure or AI technologies harming people in Gaza.
- Event
- Microsoft Build 2025
- Date
- May 20, 2025
- Location
- Seattle
- Protester
- Joe Lopez
- Lopez's Role
- Firmware engineer
Sources
Microsoft Build 2025 event hit by Pro-Palestine protest; CEO Satya Nadella’s keynote speech disrupted
'Free Palestine': CEO Satya Nadella's speech disrupted by Microsoft employee at the company's biggest event of the year, Build 2025
