UK plans emergency powers to protect undersea internet cables amid Russian interference fears

The UK government is proposing new legislation to grant ministers emergency powers to order telecom companies to remove or disable services affecting undersea internet cables during national security emergencies, and to allow officials access to cable landing stations. The proposed measures include criminal penalties of up to 14 years for intentional tampering, 10 years for reckless conduct, and two years for grossly negligent conduct, alongside unlimited fines, and companies refusing compliance could face fines up to £17m or 10% of global turnover. These plans follow growing concerns from the UK and its Nato allies regarding Russian risks to offshore infrastructure, including accusations that Russian submarines conducted covert operations and used spy ships to map UK undersea assets.