Filing: Human rights proposals win more than 25% of votes at Microsoft shareholder meeting

Summary:

At Microsoft’s 2023 annual meeting, two human rights proposals received over 25% shareholder support despite board opposition. One demanded a third-party audit of Microsoft’s AI ethics impact, while another sought transparency about government data requests tied to surveillance. Nearly $340B in assets backed these votes, reflecting a rising trend where institutional investors pressure Big Tech on privacy, ethical AI, and human rights compliance. Common triggers include controversies about Microsoft’s contracts with authoritarian regimes and AI tools enabling surveillance. Historically, proposals gaining >25% support often lead to eventual policy changes.

What This Means for You:

• Impact: Microsoft products (Azure AI, LinkedIn) might collect/storage sensitive data vulnerable to government surveillance demands.
• Fix: Review Microsoft account privacy settings immediately under Account > Privacy Dashboard.
• Security: Avoid storing confidential documents in OneDrive without encryption tools like VeraCrypt.
• Warning: AI features like Azure Face Recognition could be weaponized – disable them if unused.

Solutions:

Solution 1: Self-Advocacy Using Microsoft’s Accountability Channels

Microsoft discloses shareholder votes in SEC filings, allowing public pressure for reforms. Use the company’s Grievance Mechanism to file concerns about AI/human rights risks. Cite the shareholder vote mandate to strengthen your case.


1. Visit Microsoft Feedback Portal (https://aka.ms/feedback)
2. Select "Responsible AI" category
3. Reference Proposal Item No. 10 (2023 Proxy Statement)


Microsoft responds within 30 days to grievances meeting UNGP criteria, per their CSR reports.

Solution 2: Shareholder Activism for Individual Investors

Investors holding ≥$2K worth of MSFT stock for 1+ year can file proposals. Ethical investing coalitions like ICCR offer templates for human rights resolutions. Even small investors can amplify impact through proxy advisory firms like ISS.


# Join advocacy groups:
- Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR.org)
- Shareholder Commons
- Use broker’s "Vote Proxy" feature during meetings


Microsoft’s 25% vote threshold unlocks resubmission rights for 2024 with lower barriers.

Solution 3: Digital Hygiene for Microsoft Users

Limit exposure to Microsoft’s data harvesting. Disable telemetry in Windows via Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics. Use alternatives like Signal instead of Teams, or DuckDuckGo instead of Bing. Review Azure AD permissions monthly.


# PowerShell command to disable Win10/11 tracking:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" -Name "AllowTelemetry" -Value 0


Solution 4: Support Legislative Pressure Campaigns

Advocate for laws mandating AI impact audits (like EU’s AI Act). Grassroots campaigns sway politicians – DearCEO and Access Now have templates emailing Congress demanding stricter Section 230 reforms for tech accountability.


1. Find your rep: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative
2. Use Access Now’s automated letter generator (https://www.accessnow.org/action-center)


People Also Ask:

• Q: Why is 25% a key threshold? A: SEC Rule 14a-8 allows resubmitting proposals that gain ≥25% support, showing sustained investor demand.
• Q: Did Microsoft approve the proposals? A: No, but historically (e.g., 2021 racial audit vote), >30% support forced policy shifts within 18 months.
• Q: Which investors backed this? A: Major pension funds (NYC Comptroller, CalPERS) and ESG firms like Legal & General.
• Q: Can I avoid Microsoft products? A: Yes – try Linux OS, ProtonMail, LibreOffice. See ethical.net for alternatives.

Protect Yourself:

• Enable Microsoft Account “Government Data Requests” notifications
• Use aliases in Outlook to prevent tracking
• Deactivate Cortana and location history
• Avoid facial recognition features in Windows Hello

Expert Take:

“25% is a seismic shift in tech governance. Microsoft now faces a ‘comply-or-explain’ dilemma – investors expect material responses by Q2 2024, potentially reshaping Azure’s human rights due diligence.” – Tech Accountability Initiative Director

Tags:

• Microsoft shareholder human rights proposals 2023
• How to disable Microsoft data collection Windows 10
• Ethical alternatives to Microsoft products
• SEC Rule 14a-8 shareholder proposal process
• Government surveillance risks in Azure cloud
• Third-party AI audit requirements for Big Tech

*Featured image via source

Edited by 4idiotz Editorial System