UK plans tougher sentences and unlimited fines for subsea cable saboteurs

The UK government has proposed replacing the 1885 Submarine Telegraph Act with up to 14 years in prison for intentionally damaging subsea cables and unlimited fines for ship owners. Telecoms providers would face new security requirements, and fiber optic sensing safeguards would be introduced. A 12-week public consultation is underway.

• Up to 14 years in prison for intentional damage to subsea infrastructure
• Up to 10 years for reckless and 2 years for negligent conduct, up from 3 months
• Unlimited fines for ship owners and new government intervention powers
• Public consultation on the proposals will run for 12 weeks