US Adopts Submarine Cable Rules to Address China Security Risk

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved new rules to expedite the deployment and security of subsea data cables, addressing concerns over growing threats from China and other foreign adversaries. The new regulations aim to streamline the approval process for undersea cable projects, while also enhancing security measures to protect critical infrastructure. This comes amid rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over the potential vulnerability of these vital communication networks to foreign interference or disruption. The FCC emphasizes the strategic importance of secure and reliable submarine cable systems, which carry the majority of the world's internet and telecommunications traffic. The new rules are designed to mitigate risks and ensure the continued resilience of these crucial international data pipelines. The move reflects the US government's efforts to bolster national security and maintain its technological edge in the face of perceived threats from China and other adversaries. The revised regulations are expected to have far-reaching implications for the global telecommunications industry and the future of cross-border data transmission.