Planet Labs Implements New Restrictions on Iran Imagery

New Restrictions on Iran Imagery Announced

Planet Labs, a commercial provider of satellite imagery, has announced new restrictions on access to photos of the conflict involving Iran. The company, which holds contracts with the U.S. defense department and other American allies, stated that imagery of Iran and surrounding states, including Persian Gulf states such as the UAE, will now be made available to subscribers 14 days after capture. Previously, images of Iran's neighbors were restricted to release after four days.

Rationale for the Delay

This measure is intended to prevent adversarial actors from utilizing recent data for immediate Battle Damage Assessment, according to Planet Labs.

The company cited a commitment to ensuring the safety of allied and NATO-partner personnel and civilians on the ground as the basis for this decision.

Impact on Journalism and Recent Events

Satellite imagery has served as a critical tool for journalists covering the conflict. Recently, CNN and other news organizations used Planet Labs imagery to determine that an airstrike on an elementary school in southern Iran occurred almost simultaneously with strikes on an adjacent Revolutionary Guards base. This imagery was available to journalists five days following the incident.

Weapons experts subsequently asserted that the United States was likely responsible for the airstrikes, based on this determination and other evidence. President Donald Trump has suggested, without providing evidence, that Iran used a U.S.-manufactured Tomahawk missile to attack the school. The U.S. Central Command has indicated it is investigating the matter.

Planet Labs' Government Contracts

Planet Labs maintains extensive contracts with the U.S. defense department, including a recent agreement potentially valued at up to $151 billion.