| ➡️ Get instant news updates on Whatsapp. Click here to join our Whatsapp Group. |
Indian-American software engineer Vaniya Agrawal, who made headlines earlier this year for protesting during Microsoft’s 50th anniversary event, has again interrupted a major Microsoft event. This time, she disrupted Microsoft Build 2025, the company’s annual developer conference held in May.
What Happened at Microsoft Build 2025?
During a session focused on AI security best practices, co-hosted by Neta Haiby (Microsoft’s Head of Security for AI) and Sarah Bird (Head of Responsible AI), Vaniya Agrawal and Hossam Nasr, another former Microsoft employee, began shouting in protest. Their actions were aimed at criticizing Microsoft’s cloud service contracts with the Israeli government.
This incident marked the third straight day of pro-Palestine protests at the Microsoft Build 2025 event.
Series of Disruptions at Microsoft Build 2025
- Day 1 – May 19, 2025: As Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella began his keynote speech, a protester from the audience shouted, “Free Palestine” and demanded that Microsoft take responsibility for its role in supporting Israel through cloud technologies.
- Day 2 – May 20, 2025: A Palestinian tech worker interrupted Microsoft Executive Jay Parikh during his presentation on Azure AI. The protester shouted, “Jay! My people are suffering! Cut ties! No Azure for apartheid! Free, free Palestine!” Security removed him from the stage while he continued protesting.
- Day 3 – May 21, 2025: Vaniya Agrawal and Hossam Nasr disrupted another session, continuing the protest streak at the Build conference.
Background: Earlier Protest at Microsoft’s 50th Anniversary
In April 2025, Vaniya Agrawal made headlines for interrupting Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration. While current CEO Satya Nadella and former CEOs Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer were speaking on stage, she stood up and shouted, accusing Microsoft of being complicit in the violence in Gaza.
She said, “Shame on you all. You’re all hypocrites. 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been murdered with Microsoft technology. How dare you celebrate in their blood? Cut ties with Israel.” Security officers quickly removed her from the event.
Vaniya Agrawal’s Resignation and Aftermath
After the protest in April, Vaniya Agrawal resigned from Microsoft. She publicly shared her resignation email, which she sent directly to Satya Nadella and thousands of employees. In the email, she mentioned that she had worked at Microsoft for over 1.5 years in the AI division.
Microsoft fired her immediately after the protest, without allowing her to serve her two-week notice period. Another protester, Ibtihal Aboussad, was also dismissed for similar actions, which the company labeled as “acts of misconduct.”
Vaniya’s Continued Activism
Since her dismissal, Vaniya Agrawal has remained active on social media, posting regularly about the ongoing protests at Microsoft Build 2025. She has shared photos, videos, and messages highlighting her stand against Microsoft’s partnerships with the Israeli government.
Conclusion
The disruptions at Microsoft Build 2025 have drawn widespread attention to the growing wave of tech worker activism against corporate partnerships with governments involved in controversial conflicts. Vaniya Agrawal has become a key voice in this movement, using her platform to call for ethical responsibility in tech. Whether these actions will lead to changes in Microsoft’s policies remains to be seen.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
