Always dreamed of being 007? The UK is recruiting MI6 spies online
The UK’s secret intelligence service has opened up a new portal that allows users to anonymously contact them with sensitive information.
In a bold move straight out of a James Bond book, MI6, the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence service, has launched a digital initiative aimed at recruiting operatives via the dark web.
Called “Silent Courier,” this operation seeks to provide a secure and anonymous channel for individuals with sensitive information to connect with British intelligence. Cool, right?
The initiative was unveiled by Sir Richard Moore, the outgoing head of MI6, during a speech in Istanbul. He emphasised that the primary target of this operation is potential spies in Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, reflecting the agency’s focus on acquiring intelligence related to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“Today we’re asking those with sensitive information on global instability, international terrorism or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online,” he said. “Our virtual door is open to you.”
The platform is designed to be accessed through the Tor browser, ensuring user anonymity, and employs a complex code system to verify genuine contacts. The UK government website calls the initiative a “generational uplift in defence spending” and adds that “close cooperation between the UK and US on intelligence is at the heart of the special relationship and our shared security."
This digital espionage effort underscores the evolving landscape of intelligence gathering, where traditional methods are complemented by advanced technological tools. By leveraging the dark web, MI6 aims to tap into a new reservoir of intelligence, particularly from individuals disillusioned with their current affiliations.
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UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “As the world changes, and the threats we’re facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries. Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe. Now we’re bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK - in Russia and around the world.”
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