The UK government has announced plans to introduce emergency powers aimed at protecting the nation's undersea internet cables amid rising concerns over Russian interference. These measures would enable ministers to compel telecom companies to disable or modify services during national security emergencies and grant officials access to critical sites such as cable landing stations. The proposals also include tougher criminal penalties for tampering with undersea cables or energy pipelines, with prison sentences of up to 14 years and unlimited fines.
This development follows accusations against Russia of mapping underwater infrastructure using spy ships like the Yantar and conducting covert submarine operations near UK waters. The government highlighted that existing laws, some dating back to the Victorian era, are inadequate for addressing threats to modern fibre-optic cables. The new powers, requiring legislation after industry consultation, aim to enhance national security by safeguarding vital infrastructure that carries nearly all of the UK's international data traffic and a significant portion of its gas supplies.
Read the full story: BBC UK News.
Source: BBC UK News. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.