The United States is moving to strengthen the security of its digital infrastructure by proposing new regulations on undersea internet cables.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to ban the connection of submarine cables to the US if they involve Chinese technology or equipment. It also aims to prohibit companies that are flagged as national security threats, including Huawei and ZTE.
Additionally, the FCC will seek public comments on further measures to protect undersea cable infrastructure, as part of an ongoing review of regulations overseeing the global network of submarine cables that carry 99% of international internet traffic.
These policy moves reflect US concerns over China's role in internet infrastructure and potential espionage. Since 2020, regulators have blocked multiple cable projects linking the US to Hong Kong due to security risks.
Recent incidents, such as suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea, Taiwan's accusations of cable cutting by Chinese vessels, and Houthi-linked damage to cables in the Red Sea, highlight the growing vulnerability of global communications networks.
These steps guard against foreign adversary ownership, cyber threats, and physical sabotage.
