US satellite imagery restrictions leave journalists in the dark on Iran and Gaza

Tightened satellite‑imagery access over the Middle East is causing journalists to struggle without crucial information about conflicts in Iran and Gaza. The US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran on 28 February, with Tehran striking back on targets across the Gulf. This prompted concerns over the lack of transparency in satellite imagery coverage.

In response, US firm Planet Labs, a leading satellite imagery provider, delayed releasing Gulf imagery by four days, later extending the delay to 14 days, and eventually making it indefinite following a request from the US government.

Planet Labs stated that the decision was made with the government and external experts in mind, citing the risk of the imagery falling into the wrong hands and being used to target US troops or allied infrastructure in the Gulf. However, many open-source journalists and analysts view this as censorship and question the logic behind the indefinite freeze. Some experts argue that while a temporary delay may address the risk, the indefinite restriction lacks justification.

Tom Brown, an open-source investigative reporter, expressed skepticism towards the claim that the US or Israel is deterring adversaries by censoring satellite providers. He pointed out that leaked documents from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard suggest that Tehran relies on Chinese satellite imagery for military intelligence. Iran also operates its own Earth Observation satellites, launched by Russian Soyuz rockets.

The restrictions on US satellites are more about avoiding embarrassment or accountability, according to Brown, rather than any genuine security concerns. Jake Godin, a senior researcher at Bellingcat, agreed, stating that the restrictions hinder news outlets and NGOs from assessing and verifying damage, contributing to the spread of misinformation and reducing transparency in the information environment. The consequence is a diminished transparency of events that impact the global public.

As satellite imagery becomes increasingly restricted, it is also becoming more politicized. The imagery remains accurate but fails to show the full story, according to Bill Greer, co-founder of Common Space. This shift is accelerating through financial and regulatory means, as US government restrictions and the companies' commercial incentives pressure providers like Planet Labs to comply.

Planet Labs' stock has been volatile over the past six months, down 15 percent. The paradox is that while the quantity of imagery is growing due to 60 countries now having functional Earth Observation satellites or active construction programs, access to this data is shrinking.