Key facts
- UK plans to introduce tougher penalties for damaging subsea internet cables.
- Proposals include increased fines and prison sentences for vessel owners and operators.
- New security obligations for cable owners and operators are being considered.
- Emergency powers for government to protect infrastructure will be proposed.
- The measures aim to deter hostile states, including Russia, from sabotaging critical infrastructure.
The UK government is proposing to strengthen laws protecting subsea internet cables, essential for national security and daily communications. The plans, announced by telecoms minister Liz Lloyd, aim to deter hostile states like Russia from sabotaging critical infrastructure. Current legislation, over 140 years old, will be reviewed to introduce tougher fines and prison sentences for those who intentionally or recklessly damage these vital assets. The government is also considering new security obligations for cable operators and emergency powers to intervene if necessary. These measures come amid increased observations of suspicious activity near subsea cables, including a covert Russian submarine operation exposed in April.