Planet Labs says it will indefinitely restrict Middle East conflict imagery

Planet Labs is now reported to be indefinitely restricting the release of imagery tied to the Middle East conflict area, a significant tightening of access compared with its earlier temporary delays.

AP reported that the company said it was complying with a U.S. government request and would indefinitely withhold imagery taken after March 9, 2026. Some images could still be released on a case-by-case basis for urgent, mission-critical or public-interest needs.

Earlier reporting in March said Planet had already moved from a 96-hour delay to a 14-day delay on some Middle East imagery. The new policy goes further by making the restriction open-ended for the affected conflict area.

Xinhua and Al Jazeera also reported the change, describing it as an indefinite restriction on imagery over Iran and the broader conflict zone. The latest reports point to a material shift in access for commercial satellite imagery at a time when the region remains highly sensitive.

Planet has not, based on the sources reviewed, published a full public technical explanation of the scope or duration of the new restriction.