Planet Labs to stop releasing images of Iranian conflict zones

US Company Planet Labs Withholds Satellite Imagery of Iran Amidst Conflict

Planet Labs, a satellite imaging company based in California, has announced that it will indefinitely withhold visuals of Iran and the Middle East region due to a request from the US government. The decision was made in an email to customers on Saturday, stating that the government had asked satellite imagery providers to impose an “indefinite withhold of imagery”.

The restriction expands upon a 14-day delay on imagery of the Middle East implemented by Planet Labs last month. This initial delay was intended to prevent adversaries from using the imagery to attack the US and its allies. The company has now extended this policy, withholding imagery dating back to March 9.

Planet Labs will switch to a “managed distribution of images” deemed not to pose a risk to safety. 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. The company’s statement notes that these are extraordinary circumstances and they are taking steps to balance the needs of all stakeholders.

The decision affects military uses of satellite technology, including target identification, weapons guidance, missile tracking, and communications. It also impacts journalists and academics studying hard-to-reach places.

Source: Al Jazeera