Key facts
- US firm Planet Labs extended restrictions on commercial satellite imagery of the Middle East, citing national security concerns.
- The indefinite freeze on high-quality imagery was imposed following a US government request.
- Journalists and analysts argue these restrictions hinder their ability to report on conflicts and resemble censorship.
- Alternative sources like Chinese and European satellite imagery are being utilized, though they can be more expensive or also subject to delays.
- The US government's stated justification is to prevent adversaries from using imagery to target US troops or allied infrastructure.
US government restrictions on commercial satellite imagery are increasingly limiting journalists' and analysts' access to crucial visual data, particularly concerning conflicts in Iran and Gaza. Initially, US firm Planet Labs announced a four-day delay for Gulf imagery following joint US-Israel strikes on Iran in late February, which was later extended to 14 days and then to an indefinite freeze on high-quality imagery of the region at the request of the US government.
While the stated justification for these restrictions is to prevent adversaries from using the imagery to target US troops or allied infrastructure, experts and open-source investigators express skepticism. They argue that a two-week delay might address hypothetical risks, but an indefinite freeze lacks comparable justification. Some, like investigative reporter Tom Brown, suggest the restrictions are more about avoiding embarrassment or accountability than deterring adversaries, especially since nations like Iran operate their own satellite networks and utilize imagery from other countries like China.
This reduction in transparency is creating challenges for news outlets and NGOs attempting to assess and verify damage, potentially fostering the spread of misinformation. Bill Greer, co-founder of Common Space, noted that satellite imagery is becoming more politicized, with selectively released images potentially not showing the entire story. The US government can exert influence through direct regulatory means and as a major customer of companies like Planet Labs.
To circumvent these restrictions, journalists and analysts are increasingly turning to European and Chinese satellite providers. However, these alternatives can be more expensive, and even European Space Agency (ESA) imagery has faced delays due to US pressure, with a 24-hour delay imposed on certain Middle Eastern regions following a request from US officials to EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.