The UK government is introducing measures to enhance the protection of undersea internet cables amid rising concerns over Russian interference. Proposed powers would allow ministers to direct telecom companies to disable services during national security emergencies and grant officials access to critical sites.
Stronger penalties for tampering with undersea cables and energy pipelines are also planned, with prison sentences of up to 14 years for intentional acts. These changes aim to address security vulnerabilities and ensure that legal frameworks keep pace with the importance of undersea infrastructure to national security.