tech
'Tiktok wouldn’t open at all': Taiwan simulates an internet blackout, with an eye on China threat
Taiwan practiced cutting off internet for the first time on Thursday, amid concerns about the safety of the undersea cables that form its ‘digital lifeline’
TL;DR
- Taiwan simulated internet disruptions, including drastic cuts to internet speeds, in drills across 14 cities.
- The drills aimed to encourage citizens to prepare alternative communication methods, such as text messaging via long-range radio signals.
- Concerns exist about the vulnerability of Taiwan's submarine cable network, with several cables damaged in recent years.
- Taiwan is exploring backup communication options, including low-Earth-orbit satellite services, drawing lessons from Ukraine.
- The drills are part of Taiwan's efforts to strengthen civil resilience against growing military threats from Beijing.