Google and Meta delay undersea cable projects over security concerns — Red Sea corridor carries a fifth of global internet traffic, but risk to crews and ships stalls plans

Google and Meta have postponed parts of their undersea cable projects in the Red Sea due to ongoing security concerns, impacting major infrastructure builds like Meta’s 2Africa system and Google’s Blue-Raman route. The Red Sea corridor, responsible for a significant portion of global internet traffic, has been deemed increasingly fragile, with recent cable damage causing latency spikes and rerouted traffic. The delays come amidst escalating threats in the region, leading to higher insurance costs and fewer repair operators willing to work in the area. While the projects are not canceled, revised timelines are expected as geopolitical stability plays a crucial role in the progress of these undersea cables.