Submarine Cables: Issues of Maritime Security, Jurisdiction, and Legalities

Abstract

This paper delves into the complex issues surrounding submarine cables, vital for global communication and data exchange. These issues include maritime security, legal jurisdictions, and broader legalities. Because submarine cables are located deep in the world's oceans, they face numerous security threats such as sabotage, illegal fishing, and deep-sea mining, highlighting the need for comprehensive maritime security measures. Legal Jurisdiction over these cables, especially those outside territorial waters, is equally complicated. Different international norms and regulations contribute to a fragmented legal landscape, creating jurisdictional authority and regulatory compliance ambiguities. Moreover, international laws offer inconsistent solutions to cable damage, repair, and maintenance, adding further complexity. This paper examines these interconnected issues, analyzing the existing regulatory frameworks and their effectiveness in addressing submarine cables' security and legal challenges. We provide a nuanced understanding of this essential infrastructure's vulnerabilities and propose recommendations for enhanced legal frameworks, increased international cooperation, and improved security measures. This comprehensive study is particularly relevant in the current era of digital interconnectedness, where reliable, secure, and uninterrupted international data flows are crucial. We hope this paper will stimulate further discussion and research in this critical yet often underestimated international law and global security area.