WASHINGTON – Microsoft workers have told its company that they would not take part in the development of HoloLens headsets for the US Army. They are demanding the company to cancel a contract to supply the US Army with HoloLens Headsets. With the help of HoloLens Headsets’s augmented reality, the viewers can see virtual imagery superimposed over the scenery in front of them.
More than 50 Microsoft employees signed a letter which was circulated on an internal messaging board. The letter read the technology could help soldiers spot and kill the adversaries on the battlefield. Also, Microsoft employees wrote they “refuse to create technology for warfare and oppression.” Further, the letter read, “we did not sign up to develop weapons, and we demand a say in how our work is used.” Also, through this letter, the employees demanded CEO Satya Nadella and President Brad Smith to cancel a $480 million contract the Army announced in the month of November.
Referring to the letter of the president Smith, Microsoft said that the company is committed to working with the military, including the Army under the HoloLens contract. Microsoft also said that it is the duty of the company to supply the best technology to the US forces who are defending the US day and night. Also, the company also mentioned the need to address “important ethical and public policy issues relating to (artificial intelligence and military).”
Military bidding documents said the new technology will be used for both warfighting and training. This will make the US Army more lethal and mobile by increasing the situational awareness on the Warfield. However, the protesting workers told that HoloLens technology is designed for its usage in the business and the entertainment industry. They further said if the military decides to use it for war then it would simply make soldiers forget the reality of Warfield and they would consider it as a scenic view of a video game. The content of the letter appealed to the company to appoint an independent ethical review committee to think on the subject of the acceptable uses of Microsoft technology.
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