MI6 is launching its own dedicated portal on the dark web in the hope of attracting new spies online, notably from Russia.
Secure messaging platform Silent Courier aims to strengthen national security by making it easier for the intelligence agency to recruit, the Foreign Office said.
Potential agents in Russia and around the world will be targeted by the UK, it adds.
Outgoing MI6 Chief Sir Richard Moore On Friday appealed to potential spies globally to anonymously access the dark web by following instructions on MI6's own YouTube video.
In his final public speech as MI6 Chief, Sir Richard launched the worldwide recruiting drive targeting potential spies in Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and elsewhere.
In the same speech, he expressed scathing criticism of President Putin, saying there is no evidence the Russian president has any interest in a negotiated peace, short of Ukrainian capitulation. He added that Putin cannot succeed in Ukraine and stated that Russia's economy and demography are in long-term decline.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper commented, National security is the first duty of any government... 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. Anyone with sensitive information related to terrorism or hostile intelligence can utilize this portal.
The initiative is akin to previous campaigns by the CIA, promoting the need for secure communication methods. Caution is advised for users, recommending the use of trusted devices and VPNs to protect their anonymity.
