To improve digital innovation and economic diversification, Saudi Arabia and Microsoft have embarked on a new significant partnership. The collaboration aims to deploy cutting-edge technology solutions that will lead the Kingdom’s digitalization and foster economic growth. However, along with this technological advancement, concerns about human rights arise steadily.
Saudi Arabia, led by its Vision 2030 plan, is committed to transforming into an innovation hub. By joining forces with Microsoft, the Kingdom seeks to “help businesses of all sizes to embrace digital transformation, advance economic diversification, and create a more vibrant and prosperous future for our country”, said Olayan Alwetaid, CEO of STC Group. According to His Excellency the Vice Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Haitham bin Abdul Rahman Al-Ohali “This important step is important to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen its position as an innovation hub […] the datacentre will also provide huge opportunities for startups and small and medium enterprises looking to enhance their competitiveness […].”
For Microsoft, the expansion into Saudi Arabia represents a lucrative opportunity for economic growth. The establishment of a cloud region in the Kingdom is projected to generate around 24$ billion in new revenues over the coming years. Furthermore, this represents a unique opportunity for Microsoft to fulfil its strategic goal aimed at expanding its presence in emerging markets. By exploiting Saudi Arabia’s growing demand for digital services and cloud computing, Microsoft aims to solidify its position in the global market while providing significant opportunities for local partners to grow their businesses.
However, the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Microsoft is not without its controversies. Saudi Arabia’s track record on human rights, particularly concerning privacy and freedom of expression, raises serious concerns. The Kingdom’s anti-cybercrime and data protection laws grant broad surveillance powers to government entities, posing risks to individuals’ privacy and civil liberties. Arvind Ganesan – economic justice and human rights director at Human Rights Watch– has highlighted that “Saudi authorities have grievously violated their own citizens’ right to privacy by hacking phones, infiltrating major tech companies, and passing laws granting sweeping surveillance powers to government entities”.
Microsoft acknowledges the human rights risks associated with operating in Saudi Arabia but believes it can leverage its presence to advocate for change. The company asserts its commitment to maintaining human rights standards globally and working with governments to protect privacy and data security. By adhering to the Trusted Cloud Principles, Microsoft aims to mitigate the potential misuse of user data and promote digital literacy and technological advancements that benefit society as a whole.
While Microsoft’s commitment to upholding human rights standards globally is commendable, our concern regarding the partnership with Saudi Arabia remains pronounced. Despite Microsoft’s assurances, the inherent risks associated with the Saudi government’s broad surveillance powers and track record on human rights violations cannot be overlooked. The potential access to stored data, including that of human rights activists and NGOs, poses a significant threat to privacy, freedom of expression, and the safety of individuals. Given Saudi Arabia’s history of targeting dissenting voices and suppressing civil liberties, there’s a legitimate fear that the data stored within Microsoft’s cloud region could be exploited for harmful purposes.
Beyond merely adhering to legal requirements, Microsoft has a moral obligation to assess the human rights climate of potential partner countries and advocate for positive change where necessary. This involves conducting thorough due diligence to evaluate the risks and benefits of engaging with governments and entities that may have questionable human rights records, such as Saudi Arabia. As a global tech leader, Microsoft must utilize its leverage to engage in constructive dialogue with local authorities, advocating for the protection of privacy, freedom of expression, and other fundamental rights.
In conclusion, the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Microsoft is a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s journey towards digital innovation and economic diversification. However, it also underscores the importance of addressing human rights concerns in the pursuit of technological progress. Therefore, it’s imperative for Microsoft to actively monitor and address any potential misuse of data to ensure the safety and security of all users, particularly those at risk of persecution.