Fiber optic cables in the Red Sea have been damaged, causing a global slowdown of internet services.
Users worldwide are experiencing delays and slower internet speeds.
Microsoft’s cloud platform, Azure, has also been significantly affected.
These cables are crucial for global internet access, as a large portion of data traffic between Europe and Asia passes through them.
As a result, about 17% of global internet traffic has been disrupted.
The damaged cables include important systems like SEACOM/TGN-EA, AAE-1, and EIG, which carry a major part of the data flow between continents.
Impact on Microsoft and Other Companies
Microsoft has reported that Azure users may face connectivity issues, especially for traffic between Asia and Europe.
The company explained that repairing the cables will take time.
Meanwhile, data is being rerouted through alternative paths.
Microsoft is actively monitoring the situation, optimizing routes, and rebalancing traffic to reduce the impact on users.
Possible Causes of the Damage
Officials are still investigating why the cables were damaged.
In previous incidents in the Red Sea, cable cuts have often been caused by anchors from commercial vessels, though deliberate sabotage has also been suspected.
Experts are concerned that ongoing conflicts in the region could make critical digital infrastructure a deliberate target, further threatening global internet connectivity.
