US Allows Satellite Companies to Show Gaza Photos, Restricts Sales to Israel

The U.S. government has stated that it will not require space-imagery companies to alter the images they release to the public, despite concerns over the revealing of sensitive information during conflicts. While some firms have reportedly slowed the distribution of photos showing Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has stated that it is not considering additional restrictions. However, U.S. law has long limited the release of high-resolution satellite imagery of Israel, and licenses granted by NOAA also impose restrictions on the dissemination of certain data. The government has previously used contracts to buy up imagery it wants to remain hidden, but the increasing number of companies in the market has made this approach more complicated.