Planet Labs halts Iran imagery amid US-Israel conflict, citing US government directive
Original framing: “US satellite firm Planet Labs announces blackout on war on Iran images” — Al Jazeera
The decision by Planet Labs echoes historical patterns of corporate alignment with state interests during wartime, such as the use of private firms in intelligence gathering during the Cold War. It reflects a long-standing dynamic where private entities serve as proxies for state surveillance and control.
The Planet Labs blackout on Iran imagery reveals a systemic entanglement of corporate interests, state power, and civilian marginalization.
Historically, private firms have long served as extensions of national security, and this case continues that pattern. The lack of independent oversight and the suppression of real-time data highlight the need for cross-cultural and Indigenous perspectives to challenge dominant narratives. Scientific and technological transparency must be paired with ethical governance to prevent the erosion of public truth. By integrating marginalized voices and fostering open-source alternatives, society can begin to reclaim agency over information in conflict zones. The trickster lens reminds us that the illusion of neutrality is a powerful tool of control, and only by exposing these dynamics can we move toward a more just and transparent future.