Satellite imagery provider restricts Iran and Middle East images after US pressure

A leading satellite imagery company has imposed indefinite restrictions on access to images of Iran and large parts of the Middle East following a request from the US government.

This move follows an earlier policy of a 14-day delay on new imagery from the region, which was introduced in March and has now been extended indefinitely.

The restrictions limit how journalists, humanitarian organisations, and analysts can use satellite images to monitor the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, including assessing damage to military targets and civilian infrastructure.

The company, based in California, initially implemented the 14-day delay to prevent its imagery from being tactically used by adversaries against allied and NATO personnel and civilians.

It has since shifted to a system of managed distribution, sharing selected images on a case-by-case basis until the security risk diminishes.

The scope of the restrictions appears to cover most of the Middle East, including Iraq, Lebanon, Israel, and Gaza.

Humanitarian groups and journalists have expressed concerns about the impact of these restrictions on their ability to independently verify events and provide accurate reporting from conflict zones.

The US Department of Defense has not commented on the reasons behind the government's request to limit satellite imagery access.

Satellite imagery has become an essential tool for reporters covering conflict zones, disasters, and areas with restricted access, allowing independent verification where on-the-ground reporting is difficult or dangerous.

The restrictions therefore reduce transparency and the flow of information from the region.

The company's business model includes contracts with the US defense sector, which may influence its compliance with government requests.

It remains unclear how long the restrictions will last or the full extent of the images withheld, as the company has declined to specify the details of the managed distribution system.

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