Britain to step up subsea cable protection on rising Russian threat
Britain is enhancing protections for subsea internet cables in response to rising threats from Russia. New proposals include tougher penalties for those who recklessly damage these cables, which are crucial for the nation's economy and communication. The government aims to deter hostile actions and improve resilience through collaboration with cable operators and potential new legislation.
- ▪Britain plans to impose tougher penalties, including prison sentences, for reckless damage to subsea cables.
- ▪Subsea cables are vital for over 99% of international data traffic and support £1.4 trillion in daily financial transactions.
- ▪The government is consulting on establishing a British-flagged repair ship to enhance resilience against cable outages.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Britain to step up subsea cable protection on rising Russian threatSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 30, 2026, 12:30 AMUpdated May 30, 2026, 12:30 AMLONDON, May 29 - Britain said shipowners and operators who recklessly damaged subsea internet cables could face tougher penalties, including prison sentences, under proposals to help deter Russia and other hostile states from sabotaging vital national infrastructure.Subsea cables carry over 99% of international data traffic, underpinning more than £1.4 trillion in British financial transactions daily as well as calls, messaging and other internet services.Last month, Britain said it had exposed a covert Russian submarine operation in and around UK waters that was a bluff to hide other specialist vessels…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.