Digital bottleneck: How Iran wants to use internet access for leverage in the war
Summary
Iran plans to charge big tech companies like Google and Meta fees for using undersea internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It also wants to control the repair and maintenance of these cables and require companies to follow Iran's laws, raising concerns about internet access and international law.Key Facts
- Iran controls part of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway with at least seven undersea internet cables.
- Tehran aims to charge technology giants licensing fees for using these cables.
- Iran plans to monopolize the repair and maintenance of the cables through Iranian companies.
- Companies would also have to follow the laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
- The Strait is about 33 kilometers wide at its narrowest point and is mostly within Iran's and Oman's territorial waters.
- Only two of the cables are fully inside Iranian territorial waters.
- International law is unclear, creating a "grey zone" regarding control and protection of cables in such areas.
- Experts say Iran’s legal claim to charge fees and restrict cable maintenance is weak under current international law.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.