UK threatens subsea cable saboteurs with 14 years behind bars
Britain is replacing the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885 with tougher penalties for damaging underwater cables and pipelines. Subsea cables carry 99% of UK international data traffic and pipelines supply 74% of gas. New legislation would impose 14-year prison terms for intentional damage and unlimited fines for reckless or negligent sabotage. The reforms also require telecoms operators to identify security risks and give ministers powers to direct protective action.
Key points
- UK updating 1885 telegraph law with penalties up to 14 years imprisonment for sabotage
- Subsea cables carry 99% of UK international data traffic and are critical national infrastructure
- New duties impose security risk identification requirements on telecoms operators
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