13 October 2005

Web browsers will now get the opportunity to learn the inner workings of the secret service.

The Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) has launched its own website aimed at providing information on its current role and encouraging an openness about its procedures, without giving too much away.

It is another step in the general trend towards making government information more accessible and understandable to the public.

The existence of the SIS was not even officially acknowledged until about ten years ago.

"I applaud SIS, and its current chief, John Scarlett, for taking this bold step," said foreign secretary, Jack Straw.

"As well as exhibiting the full facts about the service in one user-friendly website, I hope that this display of openness will help the public learn more about SIS, and increase the appreciation of why SIS's vital secrets must be preserved," he added.

The website has also been launched to boost the service's current recruitment drive. It hopes that by recruiting via the web it can increase the range of people and diversity of skills needed to improve and maintain the organisation.

© Adfero Ltd

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