Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure
Concerns after satellite provider restricts Iran images following US pressure
Following a directive from the US government, a major satellite imagery firm has limited access to images of Iran and significant portions of the Middle East, raising alarms among humanitarian groups and media outlets. This change has hindered the ability of journalists and analysts to monitor the effects of the ongoing conflict between the US and Israel, particularly regarding damage to military sites and civilian infrastructure.
Restriction Details
Planet Labs, based in California, initially imposed a 14-day delay on new imagery from the region in March. It has since escalated this to an “indefinite” restriction. While the company cited a policy to prevent adversarial actors from using its data to target allied personnel and civilians, it did not specify the full scope of the limits. BBC Verify’s review of the portal suggests the restrictions span most of the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza.
“Companies like Planet that have military contracts can sometimes implement ‘voluntary compliance’ requests that are actually ‘driven by commercial incentive structures,’” remarked a satellite imaging expert to BBC Verify.
Impact on Humanitarian Work
The move has severely affected humanitarian organizations. For instance, Oxfam relied on satellite data to plan logistics during active conflicts, including its water, sanitation, and hygiene (Wash) initiatives in Gaza. With Planet’s coverage suspended there, the group used imagery to assess the status of water systems and determine equipment needs. “When an entire region goes dark indefinitely, it directly impacts [our] ability to plan evacuations, document abuses, and coordinate aid,” said Magnus Corfixen, Oxfam’s humanitarian lead.
BBC Verify has also depended on satellite imagery to track developments in Gaza, where Israeli authorities restrict independent media access. While prior delays existed, the current indefinite pause marks a significant shift in availability.
Commercial Motives and Government Influence
Planet’s business model aligns with other industry players, including its growing partnerships with US defense agencies like the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the Navy. Similarly, Vantor (formerly Maxar) limits coverage of US military bases but denied being instructed to restrict Iran. Bill Greer, a geospatial analyst and co-founder of Common Space, highlighted how defense contracts grant governments leverage over companies. “When your largest customer is also the regulating authority, the line between voluntary and involuntary compliance becomes blurred,” he explained.
“Satellite imagery has become a key tool for reporters, especially in conflict zones, disasters, and restricted areas where on-the-ground access is limited,” noted Benjamin Strick, an investigative journalist.
The decision underscores the growing influence of government pressure on commercial satellite operations, potentially altering how critical data is shared during crises. As Planet’s clients lose routine access to recent images, the implications for transparency and aid efforts remain a focal point of debate.
