Beneath the Surface: The Danger to the World’s Internet Linkage

Beneath the Surface: The Danger to the World’s Internet Linkage

Volcanic Eruption Exposes Internet Sensitivity:

The recent volcanic eruption in Tonga with the destruction of underwater cables in 2022 underlines the fact that the physical substrate of the global internet is very much exposed. The catastrophe disrupted the only underwater linked cable for the island and left the whole country without connection as well as revolutionized the theories of the global network.

The Internet Physical Backbone:

Much to the contrary what people perceive the internet to be, it is not wireless and is not in the cloud. Instead, it is based upon a web of metallic wires installed over more than one. An area of about 5 million kilometers spread broadly and extensively over the ocean floor. These cables carry data at the speed of light thus are the backbone of international communication.

However, this critical infrastructure is susceptible to various threats, including:

  • Acts of terrorism as the calamitous 9/11 twin towers terrorist attack
  • Ship collision with other ship/obstruction or dropping of anchor and / or fishing gear mishap.
  • Accidental deliberate and cyber attack
  • Inequalities in the internet connectivity where there are several connections to some locations and one or half patriotic connection to other regions.

Experts warn that the risks are multifaceted and far-reaching, with potential consequences including:

  • Attacks on strategic assets and security of the country
  • Business and income disruption
  • halt in communication; lack of interaction
  • Unauthorized internet and data access
Internet

Uneven Distribution of Internet Cables:

Current distribution of the undersea cables is not equal around the world; while some parts have many connections, others like Tonga have only one important link. This skews the much heralded vision of digital equity and is an indication that stronger and more diverse networks are required.

Urgent Need:

All these vulnerabilities mean that as the world gets more interconnected through the internet, then there is need to address such issues. Market forces are expected to drive improvements in connectivity. However, experts suggest that concerted efforts will also be necessary. While it may not be possible to completely eliminate the negative impact of the digital divide, these efforts can at least mitigate the divide that hampers continuity of operations during disasters.