Google and Amazon Accused of Sidestepping Legal Orders in Israel Contracts
Tech giants Google and Amazon reportedly signed contracts with the Israeli government that include clauses allowing them to ignore legal orders, according to leaked documents. The agreements are part of Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion initiative to provide cloud services to Israeli government agencies, including the military.
Key Contract Clauses Spark Outrage
The 2021 contracts allegedly state that Google and Amazon are not required to comply with legal orders—whether from courts, regulators, or international bodies—that could disrupt services for Israel. This means:
– No obligation to suspend services if ordered over human rights concerns.
– Legal immunity from demands tied to military or surveillance activities.
Critics argue this allows Israel to evade accountability, especially amid scrutiny of its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Human rights groups warn the deal could enable surveillance and controversial airstrike targeting.
What Is Project Nimbus?
Project Nimbus aims to modernize Israel’s government and military cloud infrastructure. While Google and Amazon claim their services are for civilian use, whistleblowers allege military applications, including:
– AI-driven data analysis for defense operations.
– Enhanced surveillance capabilities.
In 2021, employees at both companies protested the deal, citing ethical concerns.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Experts say these contracts:
✔ Undermine judicial oversight—letting corporations override courts.
✔ Set a dangerous precedent—encouraging other governments to demand similar terms.
“This privatizes national security and erodes legal checks,” says Dr. Ravi Mehta, a tech policy analyst.
Google & Amazon’s Response
Both companies deny wrongdoing:
– Google: “We follow all laws and ethical guidelines.”
– Amazon: “Our cloud services meet the highest compliance standards.”
Neither addressed the legal sidestepping clauses directly.
Global Backlash & Calls for Action
- Human rights groups (Amnesty, Access Now) demand independent audits.
- U.S. & EU lawmakers push for stricter tech regulations.
- Sen. Elizabeth Warren: “Corporations can’t operate above the law.”
What’s Next?
Pressure is growing for Google and Amazon to:
🔹 Renegotiate contracts to allow legal compliance.
🔹 Withdraw from Project Nimbus if ethics violations are confirmed.
The controversy highlights the clash between corporate profits and human rights—a debate reshaping tech’s role in global security.
— NextMinuteNews
