'We won't be war profiteers': Microsoft workers protest $480m army contract

Workers say augmented reality headsets provided to US army risk 'turning warfare into a simulated video game'

Microsoft workers are calling on their employer to cancel a $480m contract to provide the US army with augmented reality (AR) headsets, saying they "do not want to become war profiteers".

"We did not sign up to develop weapons, and we demand a say in how our work is used," reads a petition being circulated inside the company, a copy of which was published on Twitter on Friday afternoon. More than 50 employees had signed the letter as of Friday afternoon, according to an employee.