December 20, 2021
The Biden administration has recommended that technology companies Google and Facebook’s parent company Meta be allowed to use an undersea cable system to meet growing internet demands in Asia.
By recommending Google and Meta for permission, the Biden administration is therefore asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to grant the necessary licenses to Google and Meta.
This license will therefore allow them to transmit and receive data over the existing 8,000-mile Pacific Light Cable Network.
For clarification, submarine cables can transmit almost all the world’s internet data traffic.
Currently, the underwater fibre optic cable system connects the United States, Taiwan, the Philippines and Hong Kong. While Meta is seeking permission to use the part between the Philippines and the United States, Google is seeking permission to connect to Taiwan.
Under the terms of the agreement, Google and Meta are expected to carry out annual risk assessments for sensitive data, with the ability to restrict or stop data traffic on the cables within 24 hours.
For more information, read the original story in Reuters.
