UK proposes tougher penalties for subsea cable and pipeline damage

The UK government has unveiled plans to modernize laws protecting critical undersea infrastructure, including telecommunications cables and energy pipelines. The proposals aim to replace the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885, which officials describe as outdated and unable to address modern security threats.

Under the proposed criminal penalties regime, individuals could face up to 14 years in prison for intentional damage, while gross negligence could result in up to two years of imprisonment. The plan also includes unlimited fines and stricter security requirements for telecommunications operators, who would be required to better identify and manage network risks.

The move follows reports of suspicious Russian submarine activity near undersea infrastructure in British waters, including near Shetland. Protecting these assets is considered vital for national security and economic stability, as undersea cables carry over 99% of the UK’s international data traffic and pipelines supply 74% of the country’s gas. Recent disruptions in Shetland, caused by both weather and maritime activity, have highlighted the vulnerability of these connections.