Can you crack this emoji code, by Britain’s ultra-secretive GCHQ surveillance agency?
The mysterious message is to promote a new puzzle book, published for charity by code masters at the Government Communications Headquarters
One of the most secretive organisations in the UK, the surveillance agency GCHQ sent out a tantalising tweet on Thursday. It took the form of a colourful puzzle made up of emojis.
It was a tease for an announcement on Friday of a new GCHQ puzzle book. The first one in 2016 proved a surprise hit, selling more than 300,000 copies.
The GCHQ Puzzle Book II, to be published by Penguin on October 18, is billed as a chance to “pit your wits against 100 years of code breaking genius”.
As well as being published in time to catch the Christmas market, the book will be part of a series of events to mark the founding of the organisation in 1919. The book, will include a series of puzzles related to Government Communications Headquarters’ history. Alongside anecdotes from staff, there will be a chance to attempt questions set in past entrance exams.
A Penguin Random House spokeswoman said: “[The book] adds some historical stories from the organisation’s archives which will give readers a snapshot into the challenges that have faced problem solvers at GCHQ for the past 100 years.”
As with the first book, the proceeds will go to charity.