Sun Sep 15 13:25:39 UTC 2024: ## US Leading Coalition to Secure Global Submarine Cables
**New York, NY -** The United States is spearheading an international effort to bolster the security of global submarine communications cables, which are vital for internet connectivity. A draft “New York Joint Statement,” set to be signed later this month by the US, EU member states, and other allies, outlines stringent measures to protect these critical infrastructure components.
The statement demands that undersea cable operators implement robust supply chain and data security measures, and report any security incidents for monitoring purposes. Signatories will be encouraged to exclusively work with trusted suppliers from allied countries, potentially excluding providers from nations like China. This echoes previous US efforts to remove Chinese companies like Huawei from its 5G infrastructure.
The move stems from concerns that the Chinese government could potentially influence Chinese companies working on undersea cables, potentially disrupting global communications. While this may seem far-fetched, Russia’s attempts to disrupt European networks during the invasion of Ukraine highlight the vulnerability of these vital networks.
The draft statement also advocates for transparency in ownership and governance structures of undersea cable network providers. This aims to ensure governments know exactly who they are dealing with and prevent unknown entities from gaining control.
While NATO is working on an automated backup system using satellites in case of attacks, safeguarding the physical integrity of undersea cables remains a priority. This proactive approach aims to prevent disruptions before they occur, recognizing the critical role these cables play in global connectivity.
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