Microsoft Build 2025 Disrupted by Protests: The Controversial Actions of Vaniya Agrawal and Hossam Nasr

The ongoing Microsoft Build 2025 conference, a major annual event for developers, has been marred by repeated disruptions. Vaniya Agrawal, a former software engineer at Microsoft, has once again made headlines for interrupting a high-profile event—this time targeting the company’s head of security for AI, Neta Haiby. The disruption, which took place during a session on best security practices for AI, occurred alongside another former employee, Hossam Nasr. Their protest was a direct condemnation of Microsoft’s cloud contracts with the Israeli government. This incident marks the third consecutive day of Pro-Palestine protests at the Build conference.

the Incident: A Bold Disruption at Build 2025

On May 19, 2025, the Build 2025 conference saw another intense disruption. Just after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella began his keynote address, an employee stood up and shouted “Free Palestine,” calling for accountability regarding the company’s relationship with Israel. This disruption follows Agrawal’s earlier protest at Microsoft’s 50th anniversary event in April, where she publicly condemned the company’s actions, accusing it of complicity in the deaths of Palestinian civilians.

Vaniya Agrawal, who previously worked in Microsoft’s AI division, was fired shortly after the anniversary protest for what the company described as “acts of misconduct.” She was not alone in her protest; Hossam Nasr, another fired Microsoft employee, joined her in the latest protest at Build 2025. The two shouted at Neta Haiby, Microsoft’s head of AI security, during a live session.

Agrawal’s actions have sparked both praise and controversy. Many view her as a brave whistleblower, while others accuse her of inappropriate behavior. As for her online presence, Agrawal continues to share images from the protest events, reflecting her ongoing commitment to drawing attention to what she sees as Microsoft’s unethical business practices.

What Undercode Says: The Ethics of Corporate Responsibility and Protest

The actions of Vaniya Agrawal and Hossam Nasr highlight the ongoing ethical debate surrounding corporate involvement in global political matters. Microsoft’s ties with the Israeli government, particularly its cloud services, have been a source of tension, especially with the pro-Palestine movement gaining momentum in recent years.

From an ethical standpoint, it’s crucial to examine the power that large corporations, especially tech giants like Microsoft, hold in global politics. These companies are often entangled in national and international issues, whether they intend to be or not. Microsoft’s cloud contracts with the Israeli government, for instance, have put it at the center of the debate over corporate responsibility in conflict zones. In this context, Agrawal’s protests can be seen as an effort to hold the company accountable for its actions and raise awareness about its role in global conflicts.

However, the methods used by Agrawal and Nasr—disrupting high-profile events—raise important questions about protest tactics in the corporate world. While their actions draw attention to a critical issue, they also risk overshadowing important discussions about security and AI. By disrupting sessions focused on technical matters, the protestors risk alienating people who may otherwise be sympathetic to their cause. It’s a classic case of the tension between “disruptive” activism and the need for productive dialogue.

Moreover, Microsoft’s response to these protests—terminating the employees involved—illustrates a fundamental issue in the corporate world: the clash between personal belief systems and company policies. When employees take bold stands against their employer’s actions, the consequences can be severe. While some may argue that companies have the right to maintain their public image and enforce codes of conduct, others may see it as a form of silencing dissent.

Fact Checker Results

Fact: Vaniya Agrawal and Hossam Nasr were both former Microsoft employees who staged protests at Microsoft Build 2025.
Fact: Agrawal was fired after disrupting Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Fact: The protests were in response to Microsoft’s cloud contracts with the Israeli government.

Prediction: What’s Next for Vaniya Agrawal and the Protest Movement?

As the Pro-Palestine movement continues to gain traction globally, it is likely that Agrawal’s protests will inspire similar actions in other corporate settings. Companies like Microsoft, which have significant ties to governments and global powers, may face increasing pressure to take a stand on geopolitical issues.

In terms of Agrawal’s future, it’s possible that her actions will lead to further public speaking engagements or partnerships with activist organizations, particularly those focusing on corporate accountability. The disruption at Build 2025 may mark just the beginning of a larger campaign, aimed at drawing attention to the role of big tech in global political issues. As protests intensify, Microsoft and other tech companies will likely be forced to reassess their global relationships and consider the broader ethical implications of their business dealings.