The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced an upcoming vote on the security review of the vast global network of undersea communications cables. These cables, responsible for transmitting an estimated 95% of the world’s international internet traffic, are essential to global communications, finance, and data sharing. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel made the announcement, highlighting that the review, set for next month, will be the first comprehensive examination of submarine cable regulations since 2001.
In her statement, Rosenworcel remarked, “Over the past two decades, the technology, economics, and security challenges involving these systems have greatly changed, but FCC oversight has not.” This statement signals a growing concern within the agency about the national security implications of undersea cables, which form the backbone of global internet infrastructure.
The vote by the FCC aims to assess the current vulnerabilities and enhance the protections for these networks in a world where cyber and physical threats are increasingly sophisticated. The review reflects mounting concerns that undersea cables may be susceptible to espionage, physical sabotage, or other forms of interference that could disrupt global connectivity.
The undersea cables form a nearly invisible but critical infrastructure, stretching for more than 1.2 million kilometers across oceans, connecting continents, and facilitating instant communication around the world. Consisting primarily of fiber-optic lines, these cables are capable of carrying data at ultra-high speeds across vast distances, handling everything from everyday internet browsing to complex financial transactions and government communications.
Despite their importance, undersea cables are relatively vulnerable compared to land-based infrastructure.
- Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, tsunamis, and other seismic activities have historically damaged undersea cables, disrupting internet access across entire regions.
- Accidental Damage: Ship anchors, fishing activities, and other maritime actions have inadvertently cut or damaged cables in the past, leading to costly and complex repairs.
- Deliberate Attacks: There is a growing concern about state-sponsored actors or terrorist organizations deliberately targeting cables to disrupt communications or gather sensitive data. Physical and cyber espionage efforts to tap or manipulate cables are possible and could have severe consequences for global security and commerce.
Since the last regulatory review in 2001, the technology underpinning undersea cables has advanced significantly. Fiber-optic technology has evolved to allow greater bandwidth and faster data transfer, making these cables indispensable for industries and services across the globe. However, this growth has been paralleled by advances in cyber espionage and data extraction methods, raising concerns about the potential for unauthorized data access.
Additionally, the geopolitical landscape has shifted. In recent years, several nations have prioritized the security of their internet and data infrastructures amid rising tensions and fears of espionage. Governments are increasingly wary of foreign influence over their communication channels, and securing undersea cables has become a matter of national interest.
Jessica Rosenworcel’s announcement comes amid these technological and geopolitical shifts. According to her, “We are at a moment where we have to make sure that our regulatory frameworks keep pace with the realities of today’s interconnected world. These cables are invisible to most, but they are fundamental to the way we communicate, conduct business, and protect our national security.”
The FCC’s forthcoming review aims to scrutinize various aspects of undersea cable infrastructure.
- Increased Transparency and Documentation: The FCC may require more detailed reporting on the ownership and operational responsibilities associated with undersea cables, especially those backed by foreign entities. Enhanced oversight could mitigate security risks associated with foreign ownership.
- Risk Assessment Protocols: The FCC could implement guidelines for regular risk assessments that evaluate potential physical, environmental, and cyber threats to undersea cables. This would involve cooperation with both private-sector cable operators and government agencies specializing in national security.
- Real-Time Monitoring: To address concerns about cable breaches or damage, the FCC may look to deploy advanced monitoring technologies. Real-time sensors or satellite surveillance could alert authorities to potential threats in real-time, enabling a quicker response to disruptions.
- Investment in Redundant Systems: To mitigate the risk of disruptions, the FCC might encourage or mandate redundancy in the cable network. By creating additional routes and links, the impact of a single cable disruption could be minimized, maintaining uninterrupted connectivity for critical services.
- Coordination with International Agencies: Given that undersea cables cross multiple borders and international waters, collaboration with global regulatory bodies will be essential. Harmonized security protocols, combined with intelligence-sharing agreements, could be instrumental in protecting undersea cable networks.
The planned FCC review has sparked discussion in Washington and beyond about the broader geopolitical implications of undersea cables. The United States, along with its allies, has grown increasingly cautious of potential risks posed by foreign governments, especially amid concerns about China’s expanding global infrastructure initiatives.
In recent years, U.S. officials have flagged cables managed or operated by Chinese companies as potential risks. U.S. intelligence agencies have expressed concerns that Chinese firms, either under direct influence or regulatory obligation from the Chinese government, may be compelled to provide access to data that flows through these cables. As such, any regulatory measures proposed by the FCC will likely be scrutinized through a national security lens, with a focus on restricting foreign influence over cable operations on U.S. territory or in areas where American interests are at stake.
Even with heightened scrutiny, securing undersea cables is an incredibly challenging endeavor. For one, the sheer length and scale of these cables, which lie across the ocean floor in largely unmonitored international waters, makes it difficult to monitor their entire span effectively. Moreover, ownership of undersea cables is typically split among various international consortia, adding layers of complexity to regulatory oversight.
Further complicating the matter is the issue of jurisdiction. Unlike domestic infrastructure, which falls squarely under the authority of the national government, undersea cables exist in a regulatory gray area. The cables traverse international waters, where no single government has full jurisdiction. Therefore, any changes to security or monitoring protocols will require cooperation from multiple countries and adherence to international maritime law.
Beyond the obvious security and communication concerns, strengthening the undersea cable network could also have significant economic repercussions. The process of implementing new security measures, conducting assessments, and increasing monitoring could entail substantial costs, which may affect both private and public stakeholders.
The costs associated with cable deployment and maintenance are already high, and additional regulatory requirements could lead to increased expenses for companies involved in cable management and operation. These costs could, in turn, be passed on to businesses and consumers. However, experts argue that the economic benefits of a more secure and resilient internet infrastructure could offset the initial costs, particularly in an era where disruptions to data flows can have immediate and far-reaching consequences for the economy.
While government agencies like the FCC can implement regulations and set security standards, collaboration with private companies will be essential to achieve comprehensive cable security. Many of the largest undersea cables are owned and operated by private companies, including technology giants like Google, Facebook, Microsoft, and Amazon, which have invested heavily in building new cable routes to support their data centers and services.
The private sector has often led the charge in developing new technologies for data security, making them valuable allies in this endeavor. By working together, government and private stakeholders can leverage technological advances, such as encryption and AI-based monitoring, to detect and address vulnerabilities more effectively.
