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Openai V-DIG

DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT UPDATED 2026-05-20
V-DIG Score 6.47 /10 C Openai — BDS-1000 448
V-DIG 6.47

Evidence-only forensic audit. Scoring happens downstream — see the main dossier for the composite assessment.

V-DIG Audit: OpenAI

Target: OpenAI Audit Domain: V-DIG (Digital Forensics) Compilation Date: November 2025

Enterprise Technology Stack & Vendor Relationships

OpenAI’s primary infrastructure vector to Israeli military customers is Microsoft Azure 123. All verified access by Israeli military and intelligence entities to OpenAI’s GPT-4 model flows through Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service, not through direct OpenAI procurement by Israeli entities 123. Microsoft serves as OpenAI’s de facto primary integrator to Israeli government and military customers, with Microsoft Israel maintaining dedicated teams serving Israeli Defense Ministry accounts 14.

OpenAI’s dependency on Microsoft Azure is total for commercial API deployment 12. Microsoft has invested approximately $13 billion in OpenAI and hosts all GPT-4 API access through Azure OpenAI Service 12. OpenAI has no independent cloud infrastructure; all model deployment runs through Microsoft’s infrastructure 12.

Israeli military’s Azure OpenAI consumption accounted for approximately 25% of its total machine learning tool consumption on Azure at peak periods in 2024, making OpenAI’s models a core component of Israeli military AI infrastructure 15. Monthly AI consumption was 7 times higher in October 2023 versus September 2023, and 64 times higher by March 2024 versus pre-conflict levels 5. Total Microsoft/OpenAI tool consumption was nearly 200 times higher than the week before October 7, 2023 5.

Microsoft holds direct relationships with Israeli-origin technology vendors 2. Microsoft has acquired Israeli startups including Aorato (2014), Adallom (2015), CyberX (2020), and Hexadite (2017), reportedly incorporating technologies developed for Israeli military use into its enterprise security products 2. Microsoft Azure hosts products from Israeli firms on its marketplace; AnyVision (now SightX), an Israeli facial recognition company, has been listed on Azure Marketplace 2.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI itself holds licensing, subscription, or integration relationships with Israeli-origin cybersecurity, cloud, analytics, or enterprise software vendors including Check Point, Wiz, SentinelOne, CyberArk, Nice, Verint, Claroty, or Palo Alto Networks 2. No public evidence identified that OpenAI has engaged systems integrators, digital transformation consultancies, or IT outsourcing partners for major technology programmes 2.

Surveillance, Biometrics & Retail Technology

No public evidence identified that OpenAI directly uses facial recognition, biometric identification, behavioural analytics, or gait analysis technologies of Israeli origin including Trigo, BriefCam, AnyVision/Oosto/SightX, Trax, or comparable vendors 2. AnyVision/SightX (Israeli facial recognition firm) was previously invested in by Microsoft’s M12 venture fund, with its product listed on Azure Marketplace; Microsoft divested by 2020 2. No evidence that OpenAI’s products integrate AnyVision technology 2.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI uses Israeli-origin predictive policing, sentiment analysis, social media monitoring, or workforce surveillance tools 2. No public evidence identified that Israeli-origin surveillance technologies reach OpenAI indirectly via third-party platform providers, managed security services, or bundled enterprise suites 2.

Cloud Infrastructure, Data Residency & Sovereign Cloud Participation

No public evidence identified that OpenAI operates, leases, or co-locates data centre infrastructure within Israel 12. OpenAI has no documented physical presence in Israel; all operations are mediated through Microsoft Azure 12.

Microsoft operates Azure cloud regions in Israel, launching its first Israeli Azure cloud region in November 2023 6. Microsoft Azure stores data for Israeli military intelligence in European data centres; Unit 8200 stored approximately 11,500 terabytes of surveillance data in Azure servers located in the Netherlands and Ireland 789.

OpenAI has no direct participation in Project Nimbus 1011. Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion Israeli government cloud contract, was awarded to Google and Amazon in 2021; Microsoft lost this bid 1011. OpenAI’s involvement in Israeli government cloud is indirect, through Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service 15. Microsoft is classified as an S500 (top priority) client for the Israeli military and holds a $133 million, 3-year contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense dating from 2021 15.

UN Special Rapporteur report (A/HRC/59/23) explicitly names Microsoft and Google as granting “Israel virtually government-wide access to their cloud and AI technologies” through Project Nimbus and related arrangements 12. The report documents surveillance, AI, cloud, and Project Nimbus involvement, specifically naming Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, HP, and Palantir as complicit 12.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI provides services explicitly marketed or contracted to ensure digital sovereignty, data residency, or infrastructure resilience for Israeli state institutions or military bodies as a standalone offering 2. Microsoft provides sovereign cloud and government-specific services to Israeli state institutions, including Azure Government, Azure for Israel Defense Forces, and specialized compliance configurations for Israeli regulatory requirements 213.

Defence, Intelligence & Security Sector Technology Relationships

OpenAI has no direct contracts with the Israeli Ministry of Defence, IDF, Mossad, or Shin Bet 13. All verified access by Israeli military and intelligence to OpenAI’s models flows through Microsoft Azure 13. OpenAI publicly stated “OpenAI does not have a partnership with the IDF,” which is technically accurate as to direct contractual relationship but does not address indirect supply of its technology via Microsoft Azure 13.

Microsoft holds direct contracts with Israeli military and intelligence 51314. Microsoft has a $133 million IMOD contract (2021), classified as S500 (top priority) client status, and provides Azure services to Israeli military, police, and Prison Service, with contracts signed without competitive tender 51314. Microsoft engineers collaborated directly with Israeli military intelligence, including on-site at army bases, to customize Azure implementation for Unit 8200 and Unit 9900 requirements 14. Microsoft provided 19,000 hours of engineering and consultancy services to Israeli Ministry of Defense between October 2023 and June 2024, generating approximately $10 million in fees 1.

GPT-4 is used by Israeli military via Azure beginning August 2023, with usage increasing 20-fold after October 2023 152. At peak periods in 2024, GPT-4 accounted for approximately 25% of the Israeli military’s total machine learning tool consumption on Azure 152. AI services consumed by Israeli military included translation (approximately 50% of average monthly consumption during first year of war), GPT-4 (approximately 25% of consumption), speech-to-text conversion, and automatic document analysis 12.

Microsoft provided Azure services to units involved in target generation and combat operations, including the Ofek Unit (Air Force target bank), Matzpen Unit (largest military software body), and Military Attorney General’s Corps 1. Approximately one-third of AI purchases were for air-gapped systems 1. Microsoft provided Azure services for population control systems, including the “Rolling Stone” system used to manage Palestinian population registry and movement in the West Bank and Gaza, and the “Al Munaseq” app used to manage Palestinian movement permits and biometric smart cards for checkpoint crossings 113.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI has developed, sold, licensed, or maintained offensive cyber capabilities, zero-day exploit tools, or digital weapons systems 1215. Microsoft provides cybersecurity services to Israeli military and Abraham Accords countries, which Microsoft stated it would continue following the September 2025 service suspension 16.

AI, Algorithmic & Autonomous Systems

OpenAI’s models (GPT-4) are provided to Israeli military via Microsoft Azure as documented in prior sections 12. OpenAI has no direct AI/ML provision contracts with Israeli state bodies 12. Israeli military AI targeting systems (Lavender, The Gospel/Habsora, Where’s Daddy) are documented in UN and NGO reporting 1712. GPT-4 is used as a supporting tool (translation, transcription, document analysis) but is not confirmed as directly integrated into the targeting decision pipeline 1712.

UN Special Rapporteur report (A/HRC/59/23) §§36–43 documents surveillance, AI, cloud, and Project Nimbus involvement, specifically naming Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, HP, and Palantir as complicit 12. OpenAI is referenced in the broader context of AI-enabled genocide as documented in the report 12.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI’s AI models have been trained on, or provided access to, civilian population data, intercepted communications, or surveillance-derived datasets originating from Israel or occupied territories 1215. No public evidence identified that Israeli state or military bodies have contributed data to OpenAI’s model training or fine-tuning processes 1215.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI provides autonomous target generation, automated threat detection, or autonomous tracking systems to Israeli military or security forces 1215. OpenAI’s policy change (January 2024) removed language prohibiting “military and warfare” use, replacing it with narrower language prohibiting only “weapons” development 18. This change preceded the dramatic increase in Israeli military use of GPT-4 via Azure 18. OpenAI announced partnerships with defense-adjacent companies following the policy change, including Anduril (AI-powered drones) and a formal “OpenAI for Government” program marketing to defense agencies 18.

Technology Ecosystem & R&D Footprint

No public evidence identified that OpenAI operates research and development facilities, engineering offices, innovation labs, or accelerator programmes within Israel 219. OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever departed OpenAI in 2024 and founded Safe Superintelligence Inc. (SSI) in June 2024, which has a research lab in Tel Aviv 2019. SSI is a separate company from OpenAI; it is not a subsidiary or affiliate of OpenAI 2019.

Microsoft operates its largest non-US R&D centre in Israel, with 40+ product teams, over 60% focused on security, and documented recruitment of Unit 8200 alumni 6. No public evidence identified that OpenAI has acquired Israeli-origin technology companies or made strategic investments in Israeli technology startups or venture funds 221. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s investment vehicle Hydrazine Capital manages a $2.8 billion portfolio across 400+ companies; at least one Israeli cybersecurity startup has received Altman investment 21. Microsoft has acquired multiple Israeli startups, including Aorato (2014), Adallom (2015), CyberX (2020), and Hexadite (2017), reportedly incorporating technologies of Israeli military origin into Microsoft products 2.

No public evidence identified of significant patent portfolios, licensing agreements, or co-development arrangements between OpenAI and Israeli-domiciled entities or research institutions including Technion, Hebrew University, or Weizmann Institute 221.

Civil Society Scrutiny & Regulatory History

UN Special Rapporteur report (A/HRC/59/23), “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide” (Albanese, July 2, 2025), §§36–43 document surveillance, AI, cloud, Project Nimbus, and Palantir-Israel relationships 12. The report names Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, HP, and Palantir explicitly and references OpenAI’s technology being used via Azure 12. AFSC Investigate database profiles Microsoft/OpenAI complicity, documenting GPT-4 usage statistics, Azure AI consumption data, and Microsoft Israel military relationships 2. Who Profits documents Microsoft provision of Azure to Israeli military, police, Prison Service, and settlement agencies 13. Amnesty International (September 2025) called on Microsoft to investigate all contracts and ensure none contribute to human rights violations 22. OECD.AI Policy Observatory lists an incident on Google/Microsoft providing AI tools to Israeli military (January 22, 2025) 23.

BDS Movement and DBIO Coalition include Microsoft on boycott/divestment lists, specifically targeting Microsoft’s Israeli military contracts 2425. Microsoft is a top priority BDS tech target 2425. No organized boycott, divestment, or sanctions campaign specifically targeting OpenAI for its Israeli technology relationships was identified 2425. “No Azure for Apartheid” campaign targets Microsoft specifically, documenting Microsoft/Israeli military entanglements 4. OpenAI has not been named in Don’t Buy Into Occupation company lists as of the 2024/2025 iterations 25.

No OECD National Contact Point complaints specifically naming OpenAI for Israeli operations identified 23. No ICC arrest warrant applications specifically naming OpenAI identified; current ICC filings and arrest warrant applications target Microsoft, Google, and Amazon as infrastructure providers 23. No export control filings, sanctions-related investigations, or regulatory inquiries specifically targeting OpenAI’s technology sales or services to Israeli state entities identified 23.

Microsoft confirmed breach of terms of service by Israeli military unit and suspended specific services in September 2025, citing violations related to mass surveillance of civilians 816. Over 635 other active Microsoft subscriptions with Israeli military remained active after the suspension 26. Data had reportedly been moved to Amazon Web Services by August 2025 26.

No public evidence identified that OpenAI has authorized resellers, distributors, or authorized partners operating specifically in West Bank, Golan Heights, or East Jerusalem settlements 213. Microsoft’s Azure services reach settlement-adjacent Israeli government agencies, including the Civil Administration operating in occupied territories 113. The “Al Munaseq” app managed Palestinian movement permits for checkpoint crossings under Israeli control 113. Microsoft matched employee donations to organizations based in illegal West Bank settlements, including the Ma’aleh Adumim Foundation and Ein Prat Academy 2728.

End Notes

Footnotes

  1. https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/microsoft-azure-israel-top-customer-ai-cloud ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20 ↩21 ↩22 ↩23 ↩24 ↩25 ↩26

  2. https://investigate.afsc.org/company/microsoft ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15 ↩16 ↩17 ↩18 ↩19 ↩20 ↩21 ↩22 ↩23 ↩24 ↩25 ↩26 ↩27 ↩28 ↩29 ↩30

  3. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jan/23/israeli-military-gaza-war-microsoft ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5

  4. https://noazureforapartheid.com/why-microsoft ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  5. https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-ai-technology-737bc17af7b03e98c29cec4e15d0f108 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9

  6. https://www.microsoftrnd.co.il ↩ ↩2

  7. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/06/microsoft-israeli-military-palestinian-phone-calls-cloud ↩

  8. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/sep/25/microsoft-blocks-israels-use-of-its-technology-in-mass-surveillance-of-palestinians ↩ ↩2

  9. https://azure.microsoft.com/en-gb/global-infrastructure/ ↩

  10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Nimbus ↩ ↩2

  11. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2021/apr/20/google-amazon-12bn-israel-project-nimbus-cloud ↩ ↩2

  12. https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/country-reports/ahrc5923-economy-occupation-economy-genocide-report-special-rapporteur ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12

  13. https://www.whoprofits.org/companies/company/7371 ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8

  14. https://www.whoprofits.org/companies/company/7371 ↩ ↩2

  15. https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/latest-news/palantir-allegedly-enables-israels-ai-targeting-in-gaza-raising-concerns-over-war-crimes ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  16. https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2025/09/25/an-update-on-our-work-in-israel ↩ ↩2

  17. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI-assisted_targeting_in_the_Gaza_Strip ↩ ↩2

  18. https://www.commondreams.org/news/openai ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  19. https://www.timesofisrael.com/openai-co-founder-creates-a-new-ai-startup-with-a-research-lab-in-tel-aviv ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  20. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_Superintelligence_Inc. ↩ ↩2

  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenAI ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  22. https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/09/microsoft-must-come-clean-on-its-activities-in-israels-occupation ↩

  23. https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/2025-01-22-fe0f ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  24. https://bdsmovement.net/no-tech-oppression-apartheid-or-genocide ↩ ↩2 ↩3

  25. https://dontbuyintooccupation.org ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4

  26. https://inthesetimes.com/microsoft-still-supplying-israel-military-despite-suspension ↩ ↩2

  27. https://theintercept.com/2024/06/11/microsoft-israel-charity-donation-settlements ↩

  28. https://middleeastmonitor.com/20240612-microsoft-delists-unrwa-from-employee-donation-matching-platform ↩