The UK’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, on Friday launched a “dark web portal” to recruit spies in Russia and across the world by offering them a secure communication channel.
The new platform, called “Silent Courier”, enables individuals with access to sensitive information relating to terrorism or hostile intelligence activity to securely contact the UK, according to the agency.
Instructions on accessing the portal have been shared on the verified YouTube channel of the Secret Intelligence Service, better known as MI6.
“Our virtual door is open to you,” outgoing MI6 chief Richard Moore said to potential informants as he unveiled the initiative.
The agency, famous globally due to Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond, advised interested users to access the site using the secure Tor browser and to rely on devices and email accounts not linked to their identities in order to avoid suspicion.
If Tor is restricted in their country, the agency recommended the use of VPNs. The instructions were released in multiple languages.
“As the world changes, and the threats we’re facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries,” said Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper.
“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,” she added.
Moore had previously cautioned that MI6 uncovered “a staggeringly reckless campaign of Russian sabotage in Europe” amid rising tensions over the war in Ukraine.
