UN Launches Initiative to Strengthen Protection of Undersea Data Cables

A new advisory group aims to address frequent damage to global undersea cables, which carry 99% of international data traffic.

The UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has formed an international advisory group to enhance the security of undersea data cables.
Approximately 150 to 200 incidents of cable damage occur annually, with 80% caused by accidents such as ship anchors and the rest by natural disasters or other factors.
Undersea cables are critical infrastructure, transmitting 99% of global data, and there are about 500 such cables worldwide, typically lasting 25 years.
The advisory group will guide nations on cable protection strategies, licensing processes, and integrating cable security into broader maritime discussions.
The group’s first meeting is scheduled for December and will focus on developing actionable recommendations to mitigate risks to these vital communication links.