In response to concerns raised over security vulnerabilities, Microsoft announced that it will no longer employ engineers based in China to support cloud computing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). This decision follows a detailed investigation by Pro Publica highlighting potential risks in Microsoft’s prior practice of utilizing China-based engineers under U.S. supervision.
The report revealed that the company relied on so-called “digital escorts” — U.S. citizens with security clearances tasked with monitoring the engineers operating remotely from China. However, it was found that these escorts often lacked the necessary technical expertise to fully oversee and control the support activities effectively, raising significant security concerns.
Reacting to the report, Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense, expressed strong disapproval via a public statement on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that foreign engineers, including those from China, should never be granted access or maintenance control over DoD systems. This stance reinforced the critical importance of safeguarding national security assets from foreign influence or potential compromise.
Microsoft responded promptly to these concerns. Frank X. Shaw, the company’s Chief Communications Officer, confirmed that Microsoft has implemented procedural changes to ensure no China-based engineering teams provide technical assistance to the Department of Defense government’s cloud and related services. This move aims to strengthen integrity and security in the management of critical defense infrastructure.
These developments underscore the increasing sensitivities surrounding international tech workforce distribution in government contracts, especially those involving national security.
For further details, the original report by Pro Publica provides comprehensive insights into the issue: Microsoft says it will no longer use engineers in China for Department of Defense work.
