Satellite firm delays release of Gulf imagery amid Iran conflict

Satellite imaging company Planet Labs PBC has imposed a 96-hour delay on the release of new satellite images of Gulf states targeted by Iranian drone attacks, reports Turkish broadcaster TRT World.

Planet informed its clients yesterday (6 March) that the measure was a temporary step taken as part of its "commitment to responsible data practices and the safety of personnel on the ground" following the escalation of the Middle East conflict.

Under the decision, all newly collected images of Gulf states and nearby conflict zones – excluding Iran – will be withheld for four days before being added to the company's image archive.

"All new imagery collected over the Gulf States and adjacent conflict zones (not including Iran) will be subject to a mandatory 96-hour delay before it is made available in our archive," the company said in a message to clients.

Planet said the measure was intended to prevent adversarial actors from using the imagery to endanger the safety of allied and NATO-partner personnel and civilians in the region.

"As the conflict evolves, the area impacted may change," it added.

The California-based company is one of the world's leading providers of high-resolution satellite imagery. Its images are typically made available almost immediately to clients, including media organisations, companies and researchers.

According to TRT World, the company did not specify whether the decision was taken at the request of US authorities.

Planet had earlier imposed a 30-day delay on satellite images of Gaza during the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory.

Another US satellite imagery supplier, Vantor — formerly known as Maxar — does not release images of military bases belonging to US forces or their allies.