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MI6, the British intelligence agency, launches secretive dark web portal Silent Courier, aimed at attracting Russian operatives for covert operations.

To carry out their tasks, potential informants require the Tor browser and a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure communication.

MI6, the UK's intelligence agency, officially launches hidden service Silent Courier on the dark...
MI6, the UK's intelligence agency, officially launches hidden service Silent Courier on the dark web to enlist Russian agents

MI6, the British intelligence agency, launches secretive dark web portal Silent Courier, aimed at attracting Russian operatives for covert operations.

In a significant shift towards modern espionage, the British intelligence agency MI6 has unveiled a new dark web portal called Silent Courier. This move underscores the growing influence of technology over traditional methods like martinis and Aston Martins in the world of espionage.

The outgoing MI6 chief, Richard Moore, is set to confirm the launch during a speech in Istanbul. His successor, Blaise Metreweli, will take over as the new chief of MI6, making her the first woman to head the service. Metreweli's appointment is effective in autumn 2025.

The strategy of MI6's Silent Courier platform mirrors that of the US Central Intelligence Agency, which has also aimed to attract Russian agents online following a breach. The Foreign Office has released a statement indicating that MI6 is asking individuals with sensitive news on global instability, international terrorism, or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online.

The Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has stated that this new approach is part of efforts to keep the UK one step ahead of adversaries. She also noted that world-class intelligence agencies are working behind the scenes to keep British people safe.

The Silent Courier platform is designed to allow individuals with sensitive news to securely contact MI6. It is the first dedicated platform offered by MI6 on the dark web. The agency has published multilingual guidance on its official YouTube channel explaining how to use the Silent Courier system.

The guidance includes instructions on downloading the Tor browser, running a reliable VPN, and using a device not linked to personal identity. All news sent through the Silent Courier system will be carefully reviewed.

Blaise Metreweli's appointment as the head of MI6 comes at a crucial time, as the agency continues to adapt to the changing landscape of intelligence gathering and sharing in the digital age. With Silent Courier, MI6 is taking a bold step towards ensuring that it remains at the forefront of this evolution.

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