Planet Labs Restricts Satellite Imagery of Iran and Middle East Under US Pressure
Key Takeaways
- Planet Labs restricted new imagery of Iran and much of the Middle East.
- The restriction followed a request from the United States government.
- Humanitarian groups and journalists say the move hinders monitoring and raises concerns.
Planet Labs Restricts Iran Imagery
Planet Labs has imposed indefinite restrictions on its coverage of Iran and large parts of the Middle East following a US government request.
“- Published Humanitarian organisations and journalists have expressed concerns after a leading satellite imagery company told its users it was restricting access to images of Iran and large parts of the Middle East following a request from the US government”
The company initially introduced a 14-day delay but has since moved to an indefinite restriction.
BBC Verify reported that the restrictions appear to extend across most of the Middle East.
One satellite imaging expert told BBC Verify that companies with military contracts can implement voluntary compliance requests.
The US Department of Defense did not respond to a request for comment.
The decision has sparked concern among humanitarian organizations.
Humanitarian Impact and Reactions
Humanitarian organizations have expressed alarm at the impact of the imagery restrictions.
Oxfam used satellite imagery to plan logistics during live conflicts and disasters.
The Bangladesh Garment Workers' Federation called a nationwide strike after the Rahman Textile factory fire.
Labour Minister Tahmina Akhter pledged an immediate government investigation.
Firefighter Mahmud Iqbal said 47 people had been injured, including 12 in critical condition.
Supply Chain Under Scrutiny
Rahman Textile produced clothing for several European fashion brands.
“Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more”
Both companies said they were deeply saddened and would review their Bangladesh operations.
Hessen's compliance team had audited the factory in March.
Rahman Textile owner Faisal Rahman issued a statement claiming the factory had passed its most recent safety inspection in January.
Clean Clothes Campaign spokesperson said the audit system was fundamentally broken.
Rahman was being questioned about allegations that the factory's emergency exits had been welded shut.
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