Britain’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, is preparing to launch a specialized portal on the dark web as part of an effort to recruit new operatives—particularly from Russia.
According to the Foreign Office, the secure communication tool, known as Silent Courier, is designed to strengthen national security by providing a safer and more direct way for potential recruits to reach out to the agency.
The UK intends to use the platform to connect with prospective agents not only in Russia but across the globe. The initiative is set to be publicly confirmed on September 19 in Istanbul during a speech by Sir Richard Moore, the head of MI6.
The United Kingdom is home to two spy agencies—MI5 and MI6. Both were founded in the early 20th century when the British government was increasingly concerned about the threat to its empire posed by Germany’s imperial ambitions. Agents working for these secret services were used throughout both World Wars and the subsequent Cold War, when the USSR became the country to watch. But while each shares a common aim, namely the defense of the realm, they operate in very different ways.
So, what exactly is the difference between MI5 and MI6? Click through this gallery and uncover some surprising facts about Britain's secretive intelligence agencies.