Microsoft Halts Use of China-Based Engineers for Defense Projects Amid Espionage Concerns
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that foreign engineers should not access DOD systems, prompting Microsoft to end its collaboration with China-based engineers.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $5/month, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get StartedHave an account? Sign in
Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the need to restrict foreign engineers from accessing DOD systems.
- Microsoft has decided to stop using China-based engineers for specific Defense Department projects.
- The decision comes in response to growing concerns about potential espionage risks.
- This move reflects a broader trend of tightening security measures within the U.S. defense sector.
- The policy aims to safeguard sensitive information and maintain national security integrity.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Analysis unavailable for this viewpoint.
Articles (4)
Center (0)
No articles found in the Center category
FAQ
Microsoft halted the use of China-based engineers in response to concerns about potential espionage risks and the need to safeguard sensitive Defense Department computer systems from foreign access, as emphasized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
China-based engineers helped maintain Defense Department cloud computing systems with minimal supervision by U.S. personnel, supported by U.S. citizens with security clearances acting as digital escorts tasked with overseeing their work.
The risks include potential espionage and hacking due to minimal supervision of foreign engineers with advanced skills, insufficient technical expertise of overseers ('digital escorts'), and Chinese laws compelling cooperation with state security forces, which could compromise sensitive data.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared that foreign engineers, including those from China, should never be allowed to maintain or access Department of Defense systems to protect national security.
Microsoft immediately changed its support model for U.S. Government customers, assuring that no China-based engineering teams provide technical assistance for Defense Department cloud and related services following the exposure of the practice.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.