Why U.S. and British spies have moles in World of Warcraft

Virtual reality has become the latest front in the fight against terrorism

Video gamers
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The latest story gleaned from National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden's leaks is less menacing and more whimsical, like the plot for a spy comedy. Here's how The Guardian's James Ball — who collaborated on the story with The New York Times and Pro Publica — begins his story:

To the National Security Agency analyst writing a briefing to his superiors, the situation was clear: Their current surveillance efforts were lacking something. The agency's impressive arsenal of cable taps and sophisticated hacking attacks was not enough. What it really needed was a horde of undercover orcs. [Guardian]

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.