Cloud Controversy: Microsoft Cuts Chinese Engineers from U.S. Defense Projects
Following controversy over the involvement of Chinese engineers in cloud-based services for the U.S. Department of Defense, Microsoft has announced that it will no longer employ China-based engineers in support of American military projects, Reuters reports.
A recent ProPublica report revealed that Microsoft had been assisting the Pentagon’s cloud system through Chinese engineers, supervised by U.S. subcontractors known as "digital escorts." However, questions were raised about the technical competence of these engineers.
In response, Republican Senator Tom Cotton sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressing concern and calling for a full investigation. In a video statement on Friday, Hegseth declared, "China will no longer be allowed to have any involvement in the Department of Defense’s cloud contracts," adding that a comprehensive review will be completed within two weeks.
Microsoft stated that it has changed its policies following the government’s concerns.
