New Delhi: Internet has become a part of our everyday life today. Be it sending money through mobile, messaging someone or watching a video on YouTube, we depend on the Internet for all these tasks. But have you ever thought that damage to some cables lying under the sea can affect these services too? This question is being discussed amid the increasing tension between America and Iran.
According to reports, officials associated with Iran have warned that if there are repeated attacks from the US and Israel, the undersea communication networks in the Gulf region could be targeted. Data reaches different parts of the world through these cables. In such a situation, if they are damaged, the situation may range from slow internet speed to interruption of some digital services. However, it would not be right to say right now that the Internet or all online services will be closed in India.
Why are internet cables laid under the sea?
While using the Internet, hardly anyone pays attention to the cables present under the sea. These cables work on fiber optic technology and play an important role in transmitting large amounts of data between countries. International data transfers for video calls, websites, online banking and cloud services are largely dependent on this network.
About 99 percent of the world’s international data traffic is transported through undersea cables. This does not mean that the entire world’s Internet will stop as soon as one cable is cut. There are many different paths in the Internet network that can be used when needed. The real problem arises when several critical cables are affected simultaneously and data pressure on other paths increases.
Why did concern increase regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
The name of the Strait of Hormuz is generally discussed due to the supply of oil and gas. But this area is also important in terms of digital connectivity. The communication networks passing through here connect West Asia with other regions. Reports have cited warnings from Iranian officials to target the region’s undersea internet cables. If cables are damaged during war, data transmission routes between many countries may be affected. Its impact will not be limited only to internet speed but can also affect companies that use servers and digital services located in other countries.
Can UPI, WhatsApp and YouTube be shut down in India?
It would not be right to answer this question directly with ‘yes’ or ‘no’. In India, internet is necessary for making UPI payments, chatting on WhatsApp and watching videos on YouTube. If there is a major disruption in international networks, parts of these services may be affected.
For example, if an app has to take data from a server located abroad and the network accessing it is affected, the app may run slow or stop working for some time. On the other hand, if network operators are successful in rerouting traffic, services may continue.
It is important to understand one thing here. The entire technical infrastructure of every digital service in India does not depend on one place. Therefore, damage to any cable does not mean that all UPI payments, WhatsApp messages and YouTube videos will stop simultaneously across the country. The impact will depend on network conditions, alternative routes and arrangements of the companies concerned.
What impact can it have on banking and online business?
If several major cables fail, international transactions, cloud services and business involving other countries may be delayed. Some users may face problems opening websites, uploading files or completing online payments.
However, it is not necessary that every bank or payment service is affected equally. The situation may be different for services that operate locally and those that rely more on foreign servers. Therefore, before claiming closure of any particular app or bank, it will be necessary to see the information of the concerned company and the actual status of the network.
Repairing damaged undersea cables is also not an easy task. This requires special ships and technical teams. If there is conflict in an area, there may also be delays in the movement and work of repair teams.
Can other means of the Internet reduce this threat?
In many cases, network companies may send data over alternative cables or overland networks. But this option is effective only when sufficient capacity is available on other routes. If multiple connections are affected at the same time, the remaining network may become overloaded.
At present, in the context of tension between America and Iran, the security of undersea internet networks has emerged as an important issue. But it is important to distinguish between potential danger and actual harm. Unless any cable damage and its impact on services is confirmed, the possibility of internet shutdown in India should not be treated as definitive news.
