California-based satellite imagery company Planet Labs has imposed indefinite restrictions on access to images covering Iran and much of the Middle East after a request from the US government, raising alarm among journalists and humanitarian organizations who rely on such data to monitor conflict zones. The company, which holds contracts with US defense agencies, initially introduced a 14-day delay in March before shifting to a policy of "managed distribution," limiting the ability of reporters and aid groups to independently assess military strikes and civilian infrastructure damage. Experts warn the move hampers accountability efforts and has fueled a surge in fake satellite imagery online, while affected organizations such as Oxfam say the blackout directly undermines their capacity to plan aid delivery and document human rights abuses. Based on: BBC World