UK plans emergency powers to protect undersea cables
The UK government is introducing new emergency powers to protect undersea internet cables and energy pipelines from potential sabotage, specifically citing concerns over Russian interference. The measures include stricter criminal penalties for tampering with critical infrastructure.
Why it matters
Securing undersea infrastructure is vital for national security, as these cables carry the vast majority of international data and energy supplies.
Image source, Royal Navy/PA Wire Image caption, The UK has accused the Yantar, operated by Russia's Ministry of Defence, of mapping underwater infrastructure
The government has outlined new measures to protect the UK's undersea internet cables amid increased fears of Russian interference.
Ministers are set to gain powers to order telecom companies to remove or disable services during national security emergencies, as well as granting officials access to sites including cable landing stations.
The government has also outlined plans for stronger criminal penalties for those convicted of tampering with either undersea internet cables or energy pipelines.
The new powers would be backed up with prison sentences of up to 14 years for intentional conduct, 10 years for reckless conduct and two years for grossly negligent conduct, alongside unlimited fines.
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