Britain to step up subsea internet cable protection on rising Russian threat

LONDON: 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.