Meta has announced an ambitious new project—Project Waterworth—a 50,000km (31,000-mile) undersea cable system connecting the U.S., India, South Africa, Brazil, and more. Once completed, it will be the longest underwater internet cable in history.

What’s the Big Deal?

Meta, the company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is expanding beyond social media. This multi-billion-dollar investment aims to boost global internet access, enhance digital inclusion, and support Meta’s growing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.

The cable will feature a groundbreaking 24-fiber-pair system, increasing data transfer capacity like never before. Undersea cables already carry more than 95% of the world’s internet traffic, and Meta wants to ensure its technology is at the forefront of global connectivity.

Why Does This Matter?

Big Tech is increasingly taking control of global internet infrastructure. Traditionally, these undersea cables were built by telecom companies, but firms like Meta and Google are now leading the charge. Google, for example, recently pledged $1 billion for new sub-sea cables connecting Africa, Australia, and Japan.

Oxford Internet Institute professor Vili Lehdonvirta points out that this shift gives tech giants unprecedented power over global communications. Telecom analyst Paolo Pescatore agrees, saying, "Meta is pushing hard to control more of the internet’s backbone and set itself apart from the competition."

Security Risks and Global Tensions

With great connectivity comes great risk. The growing importance of undersea cables has raised security concerns, as recent cable disruptions have sparked geopolitical tensions. NATO has already launched missions to monitor ships in the Baltic Sea following infrastructure damage.

A UK parliamentary committee has also warned about potential threats from Russia and China targeting undersea internet cables. To address these risks, Meta says Project Waterworth will be buried deep—up to 7,000 meters in some areas—and use enhanced security measures to protect against ship anchors and sabotage.

The Bigger Picture

Interestingly, the cable route avoids geopolitical hotspots like the Suez Canal and the South China Sea. Instead, it focuses on connecting the U.S. with emerging markets in the Southern Hemisphere, reinforcing U.S. economic influence.

With Project Waterworth, Meta isn’t just expanding the internet—it’s securing its dominance in the digital world. This game-changing project will shape global connectivity for years to come.