IDF, Microsoft collaborated on cloud megastorage project for Palestinian surveillance - report
The cloud-based storage system was designed to exist on Microsoft's servers behind enhanced layers of security, and Microsoft engineers developed the security following Unit 8200's instructions.
The IDF Intelligence Directorate's Unit 8200 utilized a customized and segregated area within Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform to store data on Palestinian communications, British news outlet The Guardian reported on Wednesday.
Unit 8200 is responsible for gathering and collecting signal intelligence (SIGINT), code decryption, counterintelligence, cyberwarfare, and surveillance.
According to the report, Microsoft's chief executive, Satya Nadella, met with then Unit 8200 commander Brig.-Gen. (res.) Yossi Sariel in 2021, to discuss Nadella's support for a "plan that would grant Unit 8200 access to a customised and segregated area within Microsoft's Azure cloud platform."
Due to this "near-limitless storage capacity," the IDF unit was able to build a "powerful new mass surveillance tool," which allowed them to collect and store recordings of millions of cell phone calls made by Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, the report stated.
Nadella was reportedly unaware of what kind of data Unit 8200 planned to store in Azure's cloud, according to the report, which then noted that a cache of leaked documents and interviews from Microsoft and military intelligence sources showed how Azure was used.
Azure facilitated the preparation of "deadly airstrikes," and "shaped military operations," according to sources from Unit 8200 cited by The Guardian.
Sources with knowledge of the project said Unit 8200's leadership went to Microsoft after concluding that the unit does not possess sufficient storage space or computing power on IDF servers to handle the phone calls of the entire Palestinian population.
The cloud-based storage system was designed to exist on Microsoft's servers behind enhanced layers of security, the report noted, adding that the security was developed by Microsoft engineers following Unit 8200's instructions.
Large amount of data stored in Netherlands, Ireland, leaked files suggest
Leaked files suggest that a large amount of the data may be sitting in servers based in the Netherlands and Ireland, the report noted. The files suggested that 11,500 terabytes of data, which is equivalent to approximately 200 million hours of audio, was stored in the Netherlands-based servers, while a smaller proportion was being stored in Ireland.
However, the report noted that it is unclear if all of this data belongs to Unit 8200, or if some includes data belonging to other parts of the IDF.
An earlier report by the outlet in January revealed how Israel relied on Microsoft technology during the war with Hamas, leading to Microsoft commissioning an external review of their relationship with the IDF. According to the review, the company found "no evidence to date" that Azure, or any Microsoft AI products, were "used to harm people."
Microsoft held conversations with Israeli defense officials, stipulating that its technology must not be employed for identifying targets for lethal strikes, a senior Microsoft source claimed.
A Microsoft spokesperson said it had “no information” about the kind of data stored by Unit 8200 in its cloud systems, adding that Microsoft's “engagement with Unit 8200 has been based on strengthening cybersecurity and protecting Israel from nation-state and terrorist cyber attacks”.
“At no time during this engagement has Microsoft been aware of the surveillance of civilians or collection of their cellphone conversations using Microsoft’s services, including through the external review it commissioned,” the spokesperson added.
One Microsoft employee heckled Nadella's keynote speech in May, yelling "How about you show how Israeli war crimes are powered by Azure?" the report stated.
Sources from Unit 8200 stated that the information being stored in Azure has aided in blackmailing people, placing them in detention, or even justifying their killing after the fact, according to the report.
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-863469