Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani stand at the helm of TS Information Technology, a UK-registered branch of the Iranian software firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). This venture is best known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram that aims to cater to the Iranian market. The company’s official registration is located in West Sussex, a detail that underscores its international presence.
Controversies Surrounding Data Privacy
Gap Messenger touts its service as encrypted and assures users that it does not share data with third parties. However, this claim has been met with skepticism from Iranian digital rights researchers. FilterWatch, an organization dedicated to monitoring internet censorship in Iran, has implicated the app in the state’s online surveillance and suppression initiatives. This assertion is bolstered by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general’s office dating back to 2022, which suggest a more complex relationship between the app and the government.
Mahdi Anjidani, who serves as the chief executive of TSIT, has not shied away from expressing his pro-government stance in various Iranian media outlets. He has advocated for stricter regulations on foreign messaging applications and VPNs, positioning himself firmly within the narrative of state control over digital communications. Despite multiple requests for comment from The Guardian, neither brother has responded.
Operating Within a Controlled Environment
Gap Messenger functions within the confines of Iran’s state-controlled “national internet,” a framework that authorities have promoted during periods of internet shutdowns, particularly amid crackdowns on protests. This environment raises questions about the app’s autonomy and the extent of its compliance with government directives.
In his public appearances, Mahdi Anjidani has referred to himself as a “child of the Islamic Revolution,” often praising Iran’s leadership for its resilience in the face of international sanctions. His social media presence reveals interactions with prominent figures, including former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, further emphasizing his connections within the political landscape.
Digital rights researchers have pointed out that the Anjidani brothers’ business interests appear to be closely aligned with the Iranian authorities. They note that the ability to operate domestic messaging platforms in Iran is typically reserved for a select few with significant political backing, suggesting that the Anjidani brothers are well-embedded in this exclusive circle.
