Satellite imaging company Planet Labs announced on Saturday that it will indefinitely withhold visuals of Iran and the broader conflict region in the Middle East, complying with a request from the U.S. government. The California-based firm disclosed this decision in an email to customers, stating that the U.S. government had asked all satellite imagery providers to indefinitely restrict images of the area.
Expansion of Earlier Restrictions
This new policy expands upon a 14-day delay on Middle East imagery that Planet Labs imposed last month. The company explained that the earlier move was intended to prevent adversaries from using the imagery to attack the U.S. and its allies. Under the indefinite restriction, Planet Labs will withhold imagery dating back to March 9 and expects the policy to remain in effect until the conflict concludes.
Background of the Conflict
The war began on February 28 when the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran. In response, Tehran initiated its own assaults on Israel and U.S. bases in Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, spreading the conflict across the region.
Military and Civilian Uses of Satellite Imagery
Satellite technology serves critical military functions such as target identification, weapons guidance, missile tracking, and communications. Some space specialists suggest that Iran might access commercial imagery, potentially through U.S. adversaries. Additionally, satellite images are vital tools for journalists and academics studying remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Planet Labs, which operates a large fleet of Earth-imaging satellites and sells frequently updated images to governments, companies, and media, did not respond to requests for further comment. The Pentagon also declined to comment on intelligence-related matters.
Managed Distribution System
In its email to customers, Planet Labs outlined a shift to a "managed distribution of images" deemed not to pose safety risks. Under this new system, the company will release imagery on a case-by-case basis for urgent, mission-critical requirements or in the public interest. "These are extraordinary circumstances, and we are doing all we can to balance the needs of all our stakeholders," the firm stated.
Responses from Other Providers
Other commercial satellite imagery providers have varied responses. Vantor, formerly known as Maxar Technologies, told Reuters that it was not contacted by the U.S. government. However, Vantor has long reserved the right to implement enhanced access controls during geopolitical conflicts and currently applies them to parts of the Middle East. A company spokesperson explained that these controls can include limits on who can request new images or purchase existing pictures of regions where the U.S. military and its allies are actively operating, as well as areas targeted by adversaries.
Another provider, BlackSky Technology, did not immediately return a request for comment from Reuters.
