A recent investigation led by The Guardian has uncovered a covert system built into the $1.2 billion Project Nimbus cloud computing contract between Israel and tech giants Google and Amazon.
Leaked documents reveal that Israel has pressured Google and Amazon to implement a clandestine “winking mechanism” for real-time alerts when foreign governments or law enforcement access data on their platforms.
This system allegedly involves Israel receiving coded payments from these tech giants, indicating which nation requested sensitive information. This process bypasses legal hurdles and gag orders that typically prevent such disclosures. For instance, if U.S. authorities (with the dialing code +1) demanded access, Google or Amazon would covertly signal Israel with a payment of 1,000 shekels (approximately $308). Similar codes apply to other countries, like 3,900 shekels for Italy (+39).
In cases where companies are legally barred from revealing the data request source, they are required to pay Israel a flat fee of 100,000 shekels (around $30,000) within 24 hours of fulfilling the request, further complicating transparency.
This covert arrangement stems from Israel’s enduring concerns about losing control over essential national data housed on international servers, fears that have intensified with recent scrutiny over Western tech companies’ roles in surveillance and military activities in areas such as Gaza.
Within Google, internal dissent has emerged, with employees protesting last year against the Nimbus contract due to human rights issues.
Additionally, leaked documents disclose that Google and Amazon are prohibited from limiting Israel’s access to cloud services, even if future company policies deem Israeli military or intelligence activities as violations. Breaching this agreement could lead to substantial financial penalties or legal repercussions.
An Israeli finance ministry spokesperson declined to confirm the details but said the companies are “bound by stringent contractual obligations that safeguard Israel’s vital interests.”
This latest revelation adds to growing debate over the role of tech giants in enabling or complicating complex geopolitical conflicts and surveillance practices, spotlighting the opaque alliances formed in the name of national security.
