Microsoft Makes Changes Following Report on Chinese Engineers Maintaining DoD Systems
After a recent Pro Publica investigation revealed that Microsoft was utilizing engineers in China to support cloud computing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, the tech giant has taken steps to prevent this from reoccurring.
The previous setup involved the use of “digital escorts” to oversee the work of the Chinese engineers. However, it was found that these escorts, who were U.S. citizens with security clearances, sometimes lacked the necessary technical knowledge to effectively supervise the engineers.
Responding to the findings, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth expressed his stance on the issue via X, emphasizing that foreign engineers, particularly those from China, should not have access to or be involved in maintaining DoD systems.
Microsoft’s chief communications officer, Frank X. Shaw, also addressed the situation in a statement on X. Shaw assured that in light of the concerns raised, Microsoft has adjusted its support for U.S. Government clients to ensure that teams based in China are not providing technical assistance for DoD cloud services.