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Reposted by Renee Dudley

ProPublica @propublica.org · 07/05/2026

NEW: Introducing “Paper Trail,” ProPublica’s new podcast. Each episode, we’ll take you inside an investigation, uncovering hidden facts and secrets — and doing what we do best: showing you the receipts. ▶️ Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. First episode drops May 14: propub.li/42ULaRa

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Renee Dudley @reneedudley.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

1) In my latest investigation into @microsoft.com's business with the federal government, the revolving door is in full swing. THREAD 🧵

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Renee Dudley @reneedudley.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

1) THREAD: Federal cybersecurity reviewers said this @microsoft.com cloud package was “a pile of shit.” They gave it their seal of approval anyway. Here’s how it happened 👇

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Reposted by Renee Dudley

Jason Kikta @kikta.net · 19/03/2026

This is a long article, but very much worth your time. It also tells the story of how FedRAMP has turned into a rubber stamp for well funded software vendors. And yet it still serves as a barrier to entry for new contenders. Meanwhile, the USG suffers massive tech debt, despite massive spending.

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Reposted by Renee Dudley

ProPublica @propublica.org · 18/03/2026

NEW: Federal Cyber Experts Thought Microsoft’s Cloud Was “a Pile of Shit.” They Approved It Anyway. A program created to protect the government against cyber threats authorized a sprawling Microsoft cloud product, despite the company’s inability to fully explain how it protects sensitive data.

propublica.org

Federal Cyber Experts Thought Microsoft’s Cloud Was “a Pile of Shit.” They Approved It Anyway.

A federal program created to protect the government against cyber threats authorized a sprawling Microsoft cloud product, despite the company’s inability to fully explain how it protects sensitive data.

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Reposted by Renee Dudley

ProPublica @propublica.org · 19/09/2025

NEW: The Defense Department has tightened cybersecurity requirements for its cloud services providers. The changes come after ProPublica revealed how Microsoft’s use of China-based engineers left sensitive government data vulnerable to hacking. By @reneedudley.bsky.social

propublica.org

Pentagon Bans Tech Vendors From Using China-Based Personnel After ProPublica Investigation

The Defense Department has tightened cybersecurity requirements for its cloud services providers. The changes come after ProPublica revealed how Microsoft’s use of China-based engineers left sensitive...

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Reposted by Renee Dudley

ProPublica @propublica.org · 27/07/2025

In addition to its work for the Pentagon, Microsoft has used overseas employees, including China-based personnel, to support the cloud systems of federal departments such as parts of the DOJ, Treasury and Commerce, ProPublica has learned. By @reneedudley.bsky.social, w/ research by Doris Burke

propublica.org

Microsoft Used China-Based Support for Multiple U.S. Agencies, Potentially Exposing Sensitive Data

Microsoft says it will no longer use China-based engineers to support the Pentagon. But ProPublica found that the tech giant has relied on its global workforce for years to support other federal…

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Reposted by Renee Dudley

ProPublica @propublica.org · 07/04/2025

Musk’s offer of free Starlink for the White House puzzled some former officials. But it immediately struck ProPublica reporters as the potential Trump-era iteration of a tried-and-true business maneuver they’d spent months reporting on last year. By @reneedudley.bsky.social

propub.li

Microsoft Hooked the Government on Its Products With Freebies. Could Elon Musk’s Starlink Be Doing the Same?

The tech billionaire and Trump adviser “donated” Starlink service to the White House. The move resembles a previous maneuver by Microsoft, which used “free” trials to lock in costly upgrades across…

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