Sign in / up

back to article GCHQ releases teen-friendly code-busting app

British surveillance agency GCHQ has launched its first app today in the hopes of encouraging 14- to 16-year-olds to get interested in cryptography. "Cryptoy" was developed by STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) students on an industrial year placement at GCHQ and was a hit at the Cheltenham Science Festival. …

COMMENTS

Post your comment
House rules Send corrections
Add to 'My topics' unstar *
  1. Irongut

    It's for the freaking children!

    And as an added benefit is also sends everything on your phone, all messages, et, etc direct to GCHQ. For your safety.

    10 0 Reply
  2. Graham Cunningham

    And exactly what...

    ...permissions does this App request?

    12 0 Reply
  3. Ted Treen
    Big Brother

    I agree...

    ...with the first two comments.

    Aimed at teens, since they won't yet have developed the jaded cynicism (or realistic appraisal) with which we grown-ups view our dear overlords.

    6 0 Reply
    1. Chris G
      Reply Icon

      Re: I agree...

      I'm with you there!

      Yesterday I had a look at the permissions that Whatsapp requires, the only thing missing is a blood sample (or signature), another point of access to a large portion of the younger population.

      2 0 Reply
  4. Ted Treen

    How odd...

    My post appeared twice. (this is a re-edit of the second one).

    I don't suppose GCHQ had a hand in the new El Reg interface...

    4 0 Reply
    1. Anonymous Coward
      Reply Icon
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: How odd...

      Probably NSA as GCHQ are just one of their subbies.

      3 0 Reply
  5. Gordon 10
    Joke

    It aint on the play store yet....

    I wanted to download just to see what ridiculously elevated permissions it needed.

    Access Contacts check

    Access dialler check

    Access Internet check

    Install Rootkit check

    6 0 Reply
    1. Anonymous Coward
      Reply Icon
      Anonymous Coward

      Re: It aint on the play store yet....

      I couldn't get to it via my phone, but going to the playstore website I was able to find it.

      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hmg.cryptoy

      Going to the permissions section and clicking "view details" was interesting to say the least.

      "Version 1.0 can access...

      ? other"

      WTAF!?

      0 0 Reply
  6. Andy Livingstone

    A big THANK YOU

    Most grateful for your change in policy that now provides Meaningful Headers instead of the previous ones that were fit only for users of the app from GCHQ.

    0 0 Reply
  7. dogged

    A spokesperson from GCHQ says that with the UK youngsters needed to be motivated to take up subjects like maths and computer science.

    Why, so that they can send messages you fuckers can't read?

    5 0 Reply
  8. T. F. M. Reader

    Finally!!!

    Someone is thinking of the children...

    4 0 Reply

  9. This post has been deleted by its author

POST COMMENT House rules

Not a member of The Register? Create a new account here.

Forgotten password ?

  • Enter your comment

  • Add an icon

Anonymous cowards cannot choose their icon

Other stories you might like