UK to propose tougher penalties for damage to subsea cables

The UK Government (DSIT), via telecoms minister Liz Lloyd, announced plans to consult on tougher fines, prison sentences, new security obligations for subsea cable operators and emergency powers to protect critical undersea telecoms infrastructure.

• Main announcement and next steps: The government will consult later this year on replacing 140-year-old legislation to introduce tougher fines and prison sentences for vessel owners/operators who intentionally or recklessly damage subsea cables; the proposals will also include new security obligations on cable operators and new emergency powers to direct businesses to protect infrastructure. The plans were set out in a speech at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) on 29 May and will be published in detail in a white paper later this year.
• Background and concrete details: The UK’s system is underpinned by around 64 cables and supports £1.4 trillion in daily UK transactions; a repair vessel is typically on scene within eight days (world-leading response time). Up to 97% of faults arise from fishing activity or anchors; the government cited an April exposure of a covert Russian submarine operation around UK waters as a factor prompting the review.
  • Event: Speech by Telecoms Minister Liz Lloyd — 29 May, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI).
  • Media contact: DSIT media enquiries (press@dsit.gov.uk, +44 20 7215 3000, Mon–Fri 08:30–18:00).