Brian Eno Donates Windows 95 Chime Fee to Palestine Aid, Criticizes Microsoft’s Support for Israel Military

Brian Eno pledges his iconic Windows 95 startup chime fee to aid Palestine, urging Microsoft to stop supporting Israel's military operations.

Brian Eno Takes a Stand Against Microsoft’s Military Ties

Brian Eno, the legendary musician and composer, famous for crafting the iconic seven-second startup chime for Windows 95, has publicly called on Microsoft to sever its ties with Israel. In a heartfelt open letter, Eno also announced his decision to donate the fee he was paid for composing the Windows 95 chime to support aid efforts for Palestine.

Brian Eno

This startup sound, which billions of people around the world have heard since the mid-'90s, was once a symbol of a hopeful technological future. Eno originally offered Microsoft 80 different chimes to choose from, making the final selection a creative milestone for him.

The Letter That Commands Attention

In his letter, Eno expressed deep disappointment. He said he “never would have believed” that a company that once symbolized promise and innovation would become entangled in what he describes as "the machinery of oppression and war." His concerns stem from Microsoft’s recent admission that it has provided artificial intelligence and cloud computing services to the Israeli military. These services reportedly include AI-powered language translation and Azure cloud solutions, which assist in military operations, including efforts related to the Gaza conflict.

He emphasized:

“Selling and facilitating advanced AI and cloud services to a government engaged in systematic ethnic cleansing is not ‘business as usual.’ It is complicity. If you knowingly build systems that can enable war crimes, you inevitably become complicit in those crimes.”

Microsoft’s Controversial Military Role

Last week, Microsoft publicly acknowledged its involvement in supporting Israel’s Ministry of Defence with software, professional services, and AI capabilities. These tools have been reportedly used in military applications with codenames like “Where’s Daddy?”, which allegedly tracks Palestinians for targeted strikes.

Eno highlights the gravity of this alliance:

"The collaboration between Microsoft and the Israeli government and army is no secret and involves the company’s software being used in lethal technologies."

This revelation aligns with criticism from global human rights organizations and the BDS movement, which labels Microsoft as “perhaps the most complicit tech company in Israel’s illegal apartheid regime.”

An Ethical Call to Action

Brian Eno urges Microsoft to take full responsibility for the consequences of its technology. He calls for a suspension of all services that support operations violating international law.

He stated:

“We now live in an age where corporations like Microsoft often command more influence than governments. I believe that with such a power comes an absolute ethical responsibility.”

Eno also applauded the brave Microsoft employees who’ve protested the company’s military dealings, risking their careers to oppose injustice.

A New Sound for Change

In a symbolic gesture, Eno announced, “My new startup chime is this: stand in solidarity with the brave Microsoft workers who have done something truly disruptive and refused to stay silent.”

He invites artists, technologists, musicians, and people of conscience worldwide to join this call to action. Furthermore, the fee he originally received for the Windows 95 chime will now fund aid for victims of the attacks in Gaza.

“If a sound can signal a real change then let it be this one.”

Context: Rising Global Calls for Action

As humanitarian concerns escalate in the Middle East, warnings about the potential for genocide have been voiced by international bodies. Western governments face increasing pressure to impose sanctions and halt arms sales to Israel amid the ongoing crisis.

Eno has been an outspoken supporter of Palestine for years. Alongside artists like Massive Attack, he co-signed a letter urging the Field Day festival to cut ties with private equity firm KKR, which invests heavily in companies linked to Israeli settlements on occupied land.

Last October, Eno also called on the International Criminal Court to exercise its authority to prosecute war crimes related to the conflict.

Brian Eno’s open letter denouncing Microsoft’s involvement

Join the Movement

Brian Eno’s bold stance underscores a growing movement of artists and activists using their platforms to demand corporate accountability and justice. His commitment to redirect his Windows 95 chime fee to Palestine aid is a powerful symbol of how creativity and conscience can intersect.

Conclusion

What impact can artists and corporations have when they choose to stand against injustice? Brian Eno’s message challenges us all to consider the power of our actions and the sounds we choose to amplify.

FAQs

• How did Brian Eno contribute to Microsoft?
  Brian Eno composed the famous startup chime for Windows 95, an iconic sound heard by millions worldwide.
• Why is Brian Eno critical of Microsoft now?
  Eno condemns Microsoft’s provision of AI and cloud services to the Israeli military, which he believes enables human rights violations against Palestinians.
• What has Microsoft admitted regarding its services?
  Microsoft confirmed supplying software, professional services, Azure cloud, and AI technologies to Israel’s Ministry of Defence during recent conflicts.
• How is Brian Eno supporting Palestine?
  He pledged to donate the payment he received for the Windows 95 chime to aid victims affected by military actions in Gaza.
• What can the public do to support this cause?
  People are encouraged to stand with workers protesting unethical practices and join calls for companies like Microsoft to suspend services that contribute to violations of international law.

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