UK-based pair behind messaging app accused of giving data to Iranian regime

The Guardian - World NewsEN 4 min read 100% complete by Aisha DownJanuary 29, 2026 at 07:00 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, a UK-based company with ties to an Iranian software corporation, have been accused of handing user data to the Iranian regime. The company operates Gap Messenger, a popular messaging app that claims to be encrypted and does not share data with third parties. However, Iranian digital rights experts claim that this is false. Anjidani has also expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the former Iranian deputy communications minister. The Iranian government's national internet, which Gap Messenger is a part of, offers connectivity to 93 million people who are otherwise cut off from the outside world. This network is used by the regime as a tool for controlling the flow of information during crackdowns on anti-government protests.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad 40% Amir Mohammadzadeh Lajevardi 50% FilterWatch 60% United Kingdom 70% TS Information Technology 70% Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT) ×280% Hadi Anjidani 80% Gap Messenger ×390% Iranian Regime 90% Iran ×490% Mahdi Anjidani ×490%

Keywords

iranian regime 90% iranian government 90% messaging app 80% internet control 80% data sharing 70% censorship 70% encryption 60% sanctions 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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iranian regime iranian government messaging app internet control data sharing censorship encryption sanctions

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