The Tide Can Change Quickly

Last January, Microsoft was only too willing to discuss the company’s work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Today, it is downplaying its efforts and removing mentions of ICE from its communications. The tide turned quickly with the onset of the government’s now-ended practice of separating children from their migrant parents at the border. Microsoft’s employees were furious about the situation and the company was the target of criticism. This is a lesson. Make sure customers you are going to reference are less likely to become controversial.  Microsoft should have been aware that border issues are combustible. There had been anger aimed at ICE well before the service started to take children away from parents. It would have been better to keep the contract quiet. It’s too late now.