The UK government is seeking new security powers and tougher penalties for damage to undersea cables and pipelines, infrastructure it says carries nearly all its international data traffic and most of its gas supply.
A White Paper published Oct. 22 proposes unlimited fines and prison terms of up to 14 years for damage to critical undersea infrastructure. The government says proposed offenses would cover intentional, reckless or negligent damage, with the 14-year maximum applying to intentional damage.
The proposals would require providers of subsea cable systems and services to strengthen security and resilience. Ministers could direct providers to take specific steps on national security grounds when they consider those steps necessary and proportionate. The White Paper also proposes a regulatory framework for sensing technologies installed on subsea fiber-optic cables, which can detect activity at sea but may expose sensitive data.
The infrastructure carries substantial data and energy flows. Subsea telecoms cables carry about 99% of the UK’s international data traffic, while undersea pipelines provide 74% of its gas supply, according to government figures.
Telecoms Minister Ian Murray told Parliament that the main existing offense for damaging subsea cables dates to 1885, uses language referring to “telegraphic” communications and offers limited coverage for energy infrastructure. The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy described the cable network as a strategic vulnerability in a 2025 report and called for stronger deterrence. Committee chair Matt Western said, “Ensuring a strong deterrent will be vital.”
The committee’s report also noted that the 1885 law set a £100 penalty for culpable negligence and allowed up to two years in prison or an equivalent fine for wilful cable damage.
The government’s consultation runs for 12 weeks and contains 72 questions. Responses are intended to inform future legislation, so the proposed penalties, duties and ministerial powers are not yet law.
