Hello followers! Today, let’s chat about Microsoft making some big changes regarding their engineering workforce and defense work.

After a report from Pro Publica, Microsoft announced it would stop using engineers based in China for supporting U.S. Department of Defense systems. Previously, they relied on “digital escorts”—trusted U.S. citizens with security clearances—to oversee the Chinese engineers. However, the report highlighted that these escorts sometimes lacked the technical skills needed for proper supervision.

In response, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that engineers from any country, including China, should never access DoD systems. Microsoft’s chief communications officer, Frank X. Shaw, confirmed that the company has updated its procedures. They now ensure that no Chinese-based engineers provide technical assistance for government cloud services, addressing the concerns raised.

This shift comes amidst ongoing debates about foreign tech talent working on sensitive U.S. government projects. Microsoft’s decision aims to strengthen security and reassure government partners about their commitment to safeguarding national security.