Satya Narayana Nadella · "We want to build technology so that it is more empowering and inclusive, not s..."

Interview with *The New York Times*, 2017 · Checked on 3 March 2026

We want to build technology so that it is more empowering and inclusive, not something that creates deep divides or further exacerbates inequalities in our society.

Analysis

The quoted statement matches Nadella’s remarks in a **May 23, 2017** *New York Times* interview titled [*‘Microsoft’s CEO on How to Regulate the Cloud’*](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/technology/satya-nadella-microsoft-cloud-computing-regulations.html), where he emphasized ethical AI and inclusive technology design. Microsoft’s **2017 Annual Report** and **AI Principles** (published that year) also reflect this stance, with explicit commitments to 'democratizing AI' and reducing bias. No credible evidence contradicts the attribution or intent of the quote.

Background

Nadella became Microsoft’s CEO in 2014 and has consistently advocated for **‘tech intensity’ with ethical guardrails**, including initiatives like **AI for Accessibility** (launched 2018) and partnerships with NGOs to bridge digital divides. The 2017 interview occurred amid growing industry debates about AI ethics, with Microsoft positioning itself as a leader in **‘responsible AI’** alongside competitors like Google and IBM.

Verdict summary

Satya Nadella did make this statement in a 2017 *New York Times* interview, aligning with Microsoft’s documented corporate values and public initiatives on accessibility and inclusion.

Sources consulted

— The New York Times. (2017, May 23). *Microsoft’s CEO on How to Regulate the Cloud*. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/23/technology/satya-nadella-microsoft-cloud-computing-regulations.html

— Microsoft. (2017). *AI Principles*. Retrieved from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/responsible-ai

— Microsoft. (2017). *2017 Annual Report*. Sec filings: p. 4–6 (Corporate Responsibility section). Retrieved via https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar17/index.html

— Wired. (2018, May). *Microsoft’s $25M Bet to Make AI More Accessible*. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-ai-for-accessibility/