Foundation for Freedom Online, has issued an investigating report, that reveals Microsoft’s involvement in the censorship industry, highlighting several key points:

1. Microsoft’s Role: Microsoft has been deeply involved in the censorship-industrial complex, partnering with government agencies, NGOs, and academics to control online content.
2. Defending Democracy Initiative: Launched in 2018, this initiative aimed to counter disinformation campaigns and safeguard electoral processes.
3. Key Partnerships: Microsoft collaborated with Princeton Professor Jacob Shapiro and funded his research on misinformation and disinformation.
4. Hamilton 68: Microsoft hired Clint Watts, the founder of Hamilton 68, a controversial misinformation dashboard.
5. Democracy Forward Program: This program focuses on promoting a healthy information ecosystem and enhancing media literacy.
6. Center for an Informed Public (CIP): Microsoft funded CIP at the University of Washington, which became a member of the Election Integrity Partnership.
7. Election Integrity Partnership (EIP): This initiative aimed to flag, suppress, and remove online speech in coordination with big tech companies.
8. Disinformation Governance Board: Microsoft executives were involved in the establishment of this controversial board, which was disbanded after public outcry.

The article raises concerns about the convergence of corporate power and government influence in suppressing free expression and questions Microsoft’s commitment to public discourse and constitutional rights. You can read the full report here.