‘One of the World’s Most Critical Digital Bottlenecks’: How the Iran War Could Threaten Global Internet Access
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global internet communications, is under scrutiny as Iran considers charging tech companies for fiber-optic cables. This move could disrupt internet access and affect various digital services worldwide. The situation is further complicated by ongoing tensions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, which have implications for shipping and internet infrastructure.
- ▪Iran is discussing plans to charge tech companies for undersea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.
- ▪Disruptions to these cables could impact military communications, financial transactions, and online services.
- ▪The Strait of Hormuz is essential for over 95% of international data transmission, making it a critical digital bottleneck.
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Iran’s most powerful retaliatory weapon, the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted shipping and led to a surge in energy prices around the world. It could also pose a risk to your internet access.Iranian lawmakers have discussed a plan to begin charging tech companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft annual fees for fiber-optic cables that run beneath the Strait, according to Iranian state-affiliated media. The vast majority of the world’s internet communications are transmitted via undersea cables, and the Strait is a critical corridor, connecting India and Southeast Asia with Europe as well as supplying internet to Gulf countries and Egypt.
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