Microsoft Denies US Immigration Agency Using Its Technology For Mass Civilian Surveillance

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 17:20 IST

Microsoft denies ICE uses its technology for mass surveillance, clarifying its cloud tools are for productivity.

Microsoft has said it does not believe that the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency is using its technology for “mass surveillance of civilians".

The company’s clarification came after a media report raised concerns about how its cloud services were being used by the agency.

In a statement to Reuters, a Microsoft spokesperson said the firm provides cloud-based productivity and collaboration tools to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), of which ICE is a part, and to ICE itself through key partners.

“Microsoft policies and terms of service 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," the spokesperson said.

The company also noted that it believes the US Congress, the executive branch and the courts should define clear legal boundaries on how emerging technologies can be used by law enforcement agencies.

What Triggered Statement

Microsoft’s response followed a report by The Guardian, which claimed that ICE expanded its use of Microsoft’s cloud services last year while increasing arrest and deportation operations.

The report, based on leaked documents, said ICE more than tripled the amount of data stored on Microsoft’s Azure cloud platform in the six months leading up to January 2026. During the same period, the agency’s budget and workforce also grew.

According to the publication, ICE appeared to be using Microsoft’s productivity tools and certain AI-based products to search and analyse data stored on Azure.

Previous Controversies

This is not the first time Microsoft has faced scrutiny over the use of its technology by government bodies. In September 2025, the company said it had suspended certain services used by an Israeli military unit after preliminary evidence supported a media investigation into alleged mass surveillance of Palestinian phone calls. The issue had also sparked internal protests, and some employees involved were dismissed.

ICE And Other Contracts

ICE declined to comment on specific tools or investigative methods used in ongoing cases. However, it told Reuters that it uses various technologies to support the arrest of criminals.

Several major technology firms hold contracts with ICE. According to reports, Dell, AT&T and Palantir are among the largest contractors.

Forbes reported that Dell’s government contracting arm received $18.8 million in April 2025 to support ICE’s chief information officer, including the purchase of Microsoft Enterprise software licences.

AT&T secured a $90.7 million contract in 2021 to provide IT and network solutions, along with support services. The contract runs until September, with a possible extension until 2032 that could increase its total value to $165.2 million.

Palantir was awarded a $139.3 million contract in 2022 for investigative case management operations, maintenance support and custom enhancements.

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