The United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released two Chinese-language short videos last year, detailing stories about Chinese officials or professionals choosing to cooperate with the CIA. On the 15th, the CIA once again uploaded a promotional video in Simplified Chinese on social platforms, listing in detail nine safety steps to assist individuals interested in contacting the CIA.
According to the CIA’s accompanying message, this video provides a complete set of safe contact steps. Before and during safe contact, several considerations must be kept in mind. The CIA wants to know the truth about China and is looking for those who know and can share the truth.
The video, which is 2 minutes and 6 seconds long, advises those considering contacting the CIA to take safety precautions. The first step is to use cash or gift cards to purchase a second-hand or brand-new communication device to avoid leaving any identity information; go to public WiFi places for anonymous connection, ensuring the screen is not exposed to any surveillance or to the eyes of others; download internet browsers and VPN software from US or Western vendors, and make sure to use them for subsequent steps; create a brand new anonymous email address on a Western email platform, to be used solely for communicating with the CIA; once done, use a Western VPN to enter the CIA website—never search for it through a search engine; use the Tor browser to access the CIA’s dark web site or official website; go to the contact page of the CIA website.
Next, do not use apps or artificial intelligence to write your message; delete your browser history and any trace of accessing the CIA website; do not try to contact the CIA again after submitting your message, and hide the device you used in a safe place.
The CIA recommends, if circumstances permit, considering going abroad first before carrying out step one. If leaving the country is not possible, you can ask a trusted friend or family member to do it on your behalf.