Satellite images firm Planet Labs announced on Tuesday that it is extending its restriction on access to imagery of the Middle East to prevent US adversaries from using it to attack the US and its allies. The California-based firm operates a large fleet of earth imaging satellites.
The images by the firm are sold frequently to governments, companies and media.
On Monday, the firm said that it was extending its restriction to a period of two weeks from a delay of four days.
"After consulting with experts inside and outside of government... Planet has decided to take additional, proactive measures to ensure our imagery is not tactically leveraged by adversarial actors to target allied and NATO-partner personnel and civilians," a statement said. “All of Iran and nearby allied bases, in addition to the Gulf States and existing conflict zones", will be blocked for 14 days, it said.
Planet Labs was founded in 2010 by NASA scientists.
The most recent images that cover the Gulf states were released by the firm on March 6.
The decision showcases the role of commercial satellite operators in global conflicts.
Images from the satellite firm supply intelligence to clients worldwide,
According to a Planet Labs spokesperson, the move to extend the delay was temporary and made in an effort to"o limit any uncontrolled distribution of the images that might result in their unintentional access and use as tactical leverage by adversarial actors.”
Some space specialists say that Iran could be accessing commercial imagery via other adversaries of the US.
Another firm, Vantor, which also deals in high-resolution satellite images, said that it had a policy of not distributing images of US or allied bases during times of geopolitical conflict.
“During times of geopolitical conflict, Vantor may implement enhanced access controls to prevent the misuse of sensitive geospatial intelligence and to help protect allied forces and civilians," it said.