The UK is planning emergency powers that would allow ministers to take action involving telecommunications companies during national security emergencies, with the protection of undersea cables a central concern.
Under the proposed arrangements, the government would have greater authority over telecoms firms when an emergency affecting national security arises. The supplied details do not specify the exact powers ministers would receive or how companies would be required to respond.
Undersea cables are the subject of the plans, although no further information has been provided about particular cables, potential threats, locations or incidents prompting the proposal. The timing of any legislation or the process for introducing the powers has also not been set out.
The latest position is that ministers are expected to gain the powers as part of plans to strengthen the protection of undersea cable infrastructure during national security emergencies.
