Information Blackout: How a Conflict is Being Shrouded in Digital Secrecy

During the ongoing conflict involving Iran, a convergence of government and corporate actions is restricting the flow of digital information. These measures—ranging from internet blackouts to satellite imagery moratoriums—are creating unprecedented challenges for open-source researchers and journalists attempting to verify events on the ground.

"The restrictions this time around seem to be more serious and strict," said Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group, comparing the current situation to previous incidents in Iran.

Current Restrictions on Information Access

Multiple, concurrent restrictions on information have been reported.

Internet Blackout in Iran

Iran has implemented what has been described as a near-complete internet blackout within its borders. According to analysts, these restrictions began with civil protests in early 2026 and have continued into the current conflict.

Satellite Imagery Restrictions

Two major commercial satellite imagery providers, Planet and Vantor, have limited access to recent, high-resolution images of the Middle East.

• Planet initially implemented a two-week delay before announcing an indefinite moratorium. The company stated this followed a request from the U.S. government for all satellite imagery providers to "voluntarily implement an indefinite withhold of imagery in the designated Area of Interest."
• Vantor also limited access to its satellite images. Both companies stated their decisions were voluntary business practices and not mandated by any government.

Regional Arrests and Censorship

Several states in the region have taken action against individuals sharing conflict-related content.

• Qatar's Ministry of Interior reported arresting over 300 people for filming videos and spreading what it described as misleading information.
• Police in Abu Dhabi reported 375 arrests for taking unauthorized pictures and spreading false information.
• Israel has imposed rules restricting what images citizens and journalists can post online.

U.S. Press Access

The Pentagon implemented new press access restrictions, with reporters stating they were asked to sign pledges regarding information sourcing.

Impact on Verification and Researcher Response

The restrictions have significantly complicated the work of open-source researchers who rely on satellite imagery to geolocate and verify videos and photos from conflict zones.

Researchers from organizations like Bellingcat reported increased difficulty verifying events, such as images of aircraft debris following reports of a downed American aircraft. Jeffrey Lewis, a professor at Middlebury College, noted that "satellite imagery helps organize other information by allowing events to be geolocated, and its absence makes verification more difficult."

Adaptation and Workarounds

Despite the restrictions, researchers are developing alternative methods.

• Some imagery continues from publicly-funded satellites and other commercial providers like Airbus, though often at lower resolution.
• Pro-government Iranian channels on Telegram continue to publish videos.
• Bellingcat unveiled an online tool using radar data from an older satellite to look for strike damage.

"There is still video, there's still photos that are coming out, there's still some satellite images. But it's becoming harder and harder," said Jake Godin, a senior researcher at Bellingcat.

Commercial and Historical Context

The actions of the satellite companies and governments have precedents and are situated within specific commercial relationships.

• Company Background: Both Planet and Vantor are major government contractors. Planet reported that nearly 60% of its revenue in its last quarter came from defense and intelligence contracts.
• Historical Precedent: Historians note that controlling war imagery is not new. The dynamic has shifted with each new technology, from newsreels to television, and now to social media and commercial satellites.
• Stated Motivations: Analysts suggest censorship in Gulf states relates to maintaining their image as safe havens for investment and economic stability, while companies frame their actions as voluntary risk management.

Official Statements

• Planet: "We remain highly engaged with the U.S. Government. Our goal is to get back to unrestricted access for all of our customers globally as soon as possible, while continuing to limit the risk that our data could be misused."
• Vantor: "Vantor independently determines when and how these controls are implemented as part of our responsible business practices. These decisions are not mandated by any government or third party."