'Blackout': Why Is US Ordering Satellite Firms To Hide Iran War Images From Space?
The US government has ordered satellite imaging companies to withhold images of Iran and surrounding conflict zones, citing concerns over military advantage. The move affects companies like Planet Labs, which will indefinitely withhold images of the region, effectively placing a blackout on real-time intelligence sources.
The US government has asked commercial satellite imagery providers to stop sharing visuals of Iran and surrounding conflict zones. Planet Labs, a US-based satellite imaging company, will withhold images dating back to March 9 and maintain the blackout indefinitely. The company operates a large fleet of Earth-imaging satellites and sells updated images to governments, companies, and media. The directive expands on an earlier restriction implemented last month, which delayed Middle East imagery by 14 days. Planet Labs will release imagery on a case-by-case basis for urgent requirements or in the public interest. The decision comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with the US and Israeli forces launching strikes on Iran on February 28.
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