Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure
Concerns after satellite provider limits Iran coverage under US influence
Following a directive from the US government, Planet Labs, a California-based satellite imagery firm, has imposed indefinite restrictions on accessing images of Iran and much of the Middle East, prompting worries among humanitarian groups and media outlets. Initially, the company announced a 14-day delay on new regional imagery in March, but this policy has since evolved into a permanent limitation.
The move has hindered the ability of journalists, aid organizations, and analysts to monitor the consequences of the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. This includes evaluating damage to military installations and civilian facilities. While the US government’s rationale remains unclear, the Department of Defense has not commented on the decision.
Planet stated that its original delay was intended to “prevent adversarial actors from using imagery to target allied and NATO personnel and civilians.” Now, it claims to have shifted to a “managed distribution” model, sharing images selectively until security threats are resolved. However, the extent of the restrictions remains unspecified, though BBC Verify’s access to the platform suggests the limitation spans most of the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza.
Industry dynamics and geopolitical pressures
Experts suggest that such restrictions may reflect broader commercial incentives rather than legal requirements. A satellite imaging analyst noted that companies with military contracts, like Planet, often comply with “voluntary requests” that align with defense sector interests. This trend highlights how government influence can shape corporate decisions, especially when major clients include regulatory authorities.
Planet’s operations are closely tied to defense agencies, including the US National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the US Navy via a subsidiary. It also collaborates with German and Swedish military entities. Meanwhile, Vantor (formerly Maxar) has limited coverage of US military bases but denied being ordered to restrict Iran imagery by Pentagon officials.
“The balance between voluntary compliance and mandatory action becomes fragile when your largest customer is also the entity overseeing your operations,” remarked Bill Greer, a geospatial analyst and co-founder of Common Space.
Humanitarian groups have been significantly impacted. Magnus Corfixen, Oxfam’s humanitarian lead, highlighted how satellite data was vital for managing water, sanitation, and hygiene programs in Gaza, where Planet has suspended coverage. “Without direct access, we relied on imagery to determine if critical systems were still functioning,” he explained.
Oxfam previously used satellite imagery to plan logistics during live conflicts. The indefinite blackout now complicates such efforts, as seen in Gaza, where media access is tightly controlled. While image delays have occurred before, the current restrictions represent a more severe disruption to reporting.
Investigative journalist Benjamin Strick, who has contributed to CNN, the Financial Times, and the BBC, emphasized the role of satellite imagery in covering conflict zones. “It’s essential for documenting events in areas where journalists face risks or where information is restricted,” he said.
These changes underscore how geopolitical tensions can reshape the availability of critical data, affecting both news coverage and humanitarian response in the region.