WASHINGTON, April 4 (Reuters) - Planet Labs, a leading satellite imaging company, has announced an indefinite suspension of visual data provision for Iran and the Middle East conflict zone. This decision follows a direct request from the U.S. government.

U.S. Government Request Impacts Data Access

Planet Labs communicated the change to its clients via email, stating that all satellite imagery providers were instructed to withhold images of the affected area without a specified end date. This expands upon a previous policy implemented last month, which involved a 14-day delay on Middle East imagery.

Preventing Exploitation by Adversaries

The initial 14-day delay was put in place to prevent potential exploitation of the imagery by adversaries targeting the U.S. and its allies. The current restriction, effective as of March 9, is expected to remain in effect for the duration of the conflict.

Escalation of Hostilities

The current hostilities began on February 28 with attacks initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. This prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran against Israel and U.S. bases in Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

Strategic Use of Satellite Technology

Satellite technology plays a crucial role in military operations, supporting target identification, weapons guidance, missile tracking, and secure communications. Experts suggest Iran may have access to commercial imagery, potentially sourced through U.S. adversaries.

Impact on Journalism and Research

The restriction also affects journalists and academics who rely on satellite imagery for research and reporting in remote or inaccessible locations. Planet Labs manages a large network of Earth-imaging satellites, providing regularly updated imagery to various sectors.

Managed Distribution System

Planet Labs will now implement a “managed distribution of images,” releasing data on a case-by-case basis. Priority will be given to urgent, mission-critical requirements and information deemed to be in the public interest. The company emphasized its commitment to balancing stakeholder interests.

Other Providers Respond

Vantor, formerly Maxar Technologies, stated it had not received a similar request from the U.S. government. However, Vantor already has established protocols for enhanced access controls during geopolitical conflicts, which have been applied in specific areas of the Middle East.

These controls can limit who can request new imagery or access existing images of regions with U.S. military involvement or areas targeted by adversaries. The Pentagon has declined to comment on intelligence-related matters.