Planet Labs to suspend publication of satellite imagery of Iran at US request

Satellite imaging company Planet Labs said on April 4 that it would indefinitely suspend the publication of images of Iran and the Middle East conflict region at the request of the US government.

It was reported by Reuters.

Planet Labs announced the decision in an email to customers and noted that the US government has asked all satellite imagery providers to suspend the publication of images of the conflict region for an indefinite period of time.

The decision extends a 14-day delay in publishing images of the Middle East that Planet Labs introduced last month. The company added that the move was aimed at preventing the images from being used to attack the United States and its allies.

Planet Labs said it was suspending the publication of images taken after March 9, and the policy is expected to remain in effect until the conflict ends. It should be reminded that the military action began on February 28, when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

Satellite technology is used in the military to identify targets, aim weapons, track missiles, and provide communications. Satellite imagery also helps journalists and scientists exploring hard-to-reach places.

Some space experts believe that Iran may have access to commercial imagery, including that obtained through the mediation of US adversaries.

Planet Labs operates a large fleet of satellites that take images of the Earth and sells frequently updated imagery to governments, companies and the media.

The Planet Labs letter also states that the company will switch to "managed distribution of images" that do not pose a security risk. Under the new system, images will be provided on a case-by-case basis to meet urgent, critical needs or in the public interest.

Meanwhile, another commercial vendor, Vantor (formerly Maxar Technologies), told the publication that it had not been approached by the US government. The company spokesman added that Vantor has for many years reserved the right to "apply enhanced access control measures during periods of geopolitical conflict" and is currently applying them to certain regions of the Middle East.

As the Ukrainian News agency earlier reported, on Friday, April 3, Iran first shot down an F-15E fighter jet over the country.

US President Donald Trump said that the second crew member of the downed American F-15E fighter jet in southwestern Iran was rescued by the US military. He was injured.