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The Guardian wasn’t able to discover whether ICE is using Microsoft’s cloud services for surveillance: “It’s unclear from the files whether ICE is using Azure to store or analyze information collected through any of its surveillance or intelligence gathering activities, or whether the cloud platform supports other functions, such as the running of detention centers or deportation flights.” The +972 article, though, claims that ICE is “making use of AI tools that search and analyze images and videos” on the data stored on the Microsoft cloud.
When questioned by The Guardian, a Microsoft spokesperson didn’t give specific details about how the company’s technologies are being used by ICE, but stressed that Microsoft’s policies “do not allow our technology to be used for the mass surveillance of civilians, and we do not believe ICE is engaged in such activity.”
Note the vagueness of the answer, that the company doesn’t “believe” ICE is using Microsoft technology for mass surveillance. So apparently, it doesn’t know — and likely doesn’t want to know, because then it would feel forced to take action of some kind.
