MI6 online

October 13, 2005 12:11 AM

The Secret Intelligence Service, aka MI6, now has its own website. MI5 has had one for a while, and apparently now gets most of its job applications that way.
posted by Phanx (17 comments total)

I now await news of your mysterious and untimely demise.

Goodnight, Mr Phanx.
posted by NinjaPirate at 1:07 AM on October 13, 2005

I wish they'd accept applications from Commonwealth citizens, at least. We want to serve in Her Majesty's Secret Service too, damn it.
posted by blacklite at 1:07 AM on October 13, 2005

Intriguing. Not quite secret anymore though.
posted by peacay at 1:16 AM on October 13, 2005

MI6 is actually worried about putting forms on the site in case it attracts hackers and the like. "SIS has kept this site browse only for security reasons.".
So, if you're an out-of-work Brit sysadmin and know how to lock down a web server, I think your country needs you.
posted by NinjaPirate at 1:17 AM on October 13, 2005

Unlike the relatively open working practices of the Security Service (MI5), the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) gathers foreign intelligence using highly covert methodology and retains that sense of mystery surrounding the government organisation.

Not any more apparently.
posted by three blind mice at 1:32 AM on October 13, 2005

Is this genuine? It interested me that there were so many language options, but not Welsh, which most UK governmental sites offer.
posted by flameproof at 3:55 AM on October 13, 2005

flameproof: Is this genuine? It interested me that there were so many language options, but not Welsh, which most UK governmental sites offer.

Yes, it does indeed appear valid. Not only is the whois data consistent, but Directgov, the UK government's central directory of government web resources mentions the new site.
posted by RichardP at 4:51 AM on October 13, 2005

Good point about the Welsh, though. My guess is that the languages offered are those of, well, 'target' countries.
posted by Phanx at 5:12 AM on October 13, 2005

Good point about the Welsh, though. My guess is that the languages offered are those of, well, 'target' countries.

The Welsh don't count as a target country? You'll be sorry, after the mighty Welsh Legions invade and force you to spell everything with lots of Y's and W's!
posted by unreason at 7:12 AM on October 13, 2005

How cool is it that the head of MI6 is known as "C"? He signs documents with a C, which is cool, but could be easily forged.
posted by splatta at 7:44 AM on October 13, 2005

I still don't think I'd want to work for them.
posted by Acey at 8:23 AM on October 13, 2005

That is one crazy-ass building they've got. Wouldn't exactly call it non-descript...
posted by delmoi at 8:26 AM on October 13, 2005

delmoi: that's one of my favourite buildings in London - somewhere between an Egyptian mausoleum and an art deco cruise ship, in sandstone and green glass. Used to pass it every day on the way to work. Always wondered what would happen if I hung around outside with a camera.
posted by Leon at 9:06 AM on October 13, 2005

You've not seen The World is Not Enough?
posted by blag at 9:11 AM on October 13, 2005

[e-mail]
posted by kirkaracha at 9:28 AM on October 13, 2005

More beautiful photos and info on 85 Vauxhall Cross at architect, Terry Farrell & Partners' website.
posted by junesix at 9:36 AM on October 13, 2005

Leon: that building reminds me of the set design in Titus Andronicus. I wish I had bothered to take a look at it when I was in London.
posted by tweak at 10:44 PM on October 13, 2005