What was meant to be a regular Microsoft Build session on AI security turned into something else entirely.
Protesters disrupted the session, calling out Microsoft’s business ties with Israel.
But the real surprise?
A slip-up by one of Microsoft’s top AI security leaders that unintentionally revealed Walmart’s AI strategy.
How It All Unfolded
Neta Haiby, Microsoft’s head of AI security, was in the middle of a presentation with Sarah Bird, the company’s responsible AI lead.
The session was part of Microsoft Build, the company’s annual developer conference.
Suddenly, two ex-Microsoft employees stormed in, shouting about the company’s cloud contracts with Israel.
The livestream was quickly muted. The camera turned down. Security stepped in. But right after the session resumed, things got even more interesting.
Haiby, while trying to get back on track, accidentally shared her Microsoft Teams window with the entire audience.
And with it came some sensitive, internal chat messages.
The Accidental Reveal
In those leaked messages, it was clear that Walmart is going all-in on Microsoft’s AI offerings.
The retail giant is gearing up to use Microsoft’s Entra Web and AI Gateway services – tools designed to securely manage AI access and identity at scale.
Here’s what stood out from the chat:
- A Microsoft cloud architect said:
“Walmart is ready to rock and roll with Entra Web and AI Gateway.” - A Walmart AI engineer reportedly added:
“Microsoft is WAY ahead of Google with AI security. We are excited to go down this path with you.”
For Microsoft, that’s a huge vote of confidence, especially coming from one of its largest enterprise customers.
What Sparked the Protest?
The protest wasn’t random.
It came from a group called No Azure for Apartheid, made up of tech workers and activists. They’re upset about Microsoft’s cloud services being used by Israel’s Ministry of Defense.
One protester, Hossam Nasr, a former Microsoft employee, shouted:
Sarah, you are whitewashing the crimes of Microsoft in Palestine, how dare you talk about responsible AI when Microsoft is fueling the genocide in Palestine?
He wasn’t alone.
Vaniya Agrawal, another former employee, joined in. Both have disrupted Microsoft events before, including one where they interrupted CEO Satya Nadella and even Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
These protests have been ramping up.
This was the third disruption during the same conference week.
Microsoft’s Quiet Response
So far, Microsoft hasn’t commented on the accidental leak or the protest during the session. But just days before, the company did release a statement.
They said they had conducted an internal and external review of how their tech is used in the Gaza conflict.
According to them:
- Their partnership with Israel’s defense ministry is a “standard commercial relationship.”
- There’s no evidence that Microsoft’s Azure or AI tools were used to harm people.
- The Israeli Ministry of Defense hasn’t violated Microsoft’s AI Code of Conduct or Terms of Service.
But that hasn’t stopped activists from speaking out.
Why This Matters
This event is a reminder of a few key things:
- Tech isn’t neutral. Where and how it’s used matters to people – especially when tied to global conflicts.
- Transparency vs. secrecy. Companies want to show off innovation but also keep client deals private. That’s getting harder.
- The human side of tech. Even in a polished corporate event, human error and emotion can take center stage.
What Is Microsoft Entra and AI Gateway?
If you’re wondering what tools like Entra and AI Gateway actually do, here’s a quick breakdown:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Entra Web | Helps manage digital identity and access in a secure way |
| AI Gateway | Controls how companies access and deploy AI models through Microsoft’s cloud |
Think of them like traffic control for sensitive AI operations.
Walmart’s adoption suggests they’re betting big on secure, scalable AI solutions.
Takeaways for Businesses Watching This Unfold
If you’re in tech, retail, or just trying to keep up with AI, here’s what to note:
- Corporate partnerships can become part of global conversations, especially with controversial governments.
- Mistakes happen. Even top executives can reveal more than they intend.
- AI is moving fast. Big players like Walmart are doubling down, and competitors like Google have ground to catch up.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a glitch or a protest.
It was a moment when multiple layers – corporate secrecy, public activism, global politics, and AI innovation – all collided.
Will it slow Walmart’s plans? Probably not.
Will Microsoft tighten up security during live demos? Definitely.
But one thing’s clear: in today’s world, every screen share counts.
