The UK Foreign Office has announced the launch of Silent Courier, a new secure messaging platform designed to strengthen national security by streamlining how MI6 recruits informants. According to officials, the system aims to facilitate discreet contact with potential agents in Russia and other countries.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper framed the move as part of a broader strategy to stay ahead of evolving global threats, stating that the UK must remain “one step ahead” of its adversaries.
Silent Courier, which goes live on Friday, will provide a protected channel for individuals to share sensitive intelligence with Britain, including information on terrorism and hostile foreign operations. Guidance for using the platform—such as employing reputable VPN services and devices unlinked to personal identities—will be shared via MI6’s verified YouTube channel.
The rollout coincides with a speech in Istanbul by Sir Richard Moore, the outgoing head of MI6. Moore, who has previously urged Russians to collaborate with Britain, is expected to use the event to encourage people with information on international instability or covert state activity to contact the agency through Silent Courier, signalling what he has described as MI6’s “virtual door” being open.
This digital outreach reflects a growing trend among Western intelligence agencies. The CIA adopted a similar tactic in 2023 by posting videos on social media to appeal directly to potential Russian informants.
