protests Archives

AppWizard

February 11, 2026

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

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani, co-founders of TS Information Technology, operate a messaging app called Gap Messenger, which is associated with the Iranian regime. Their company is based in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, and is linked to the Iranian software corporation Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Despite claims of encryption and user privacy, experts have raised concerns about Gap Messenger's role in government censorship in Iran. Mahdi Anjidani has expressed pro-regime views in Iranian media and has connections to the Iranian government through his ventures. Gap Messenger has over 1 million downloads on Google Play and is part of Iran's domestic internet network aimed at controlling citizen access to information. Reports suggest that the app may have shared user data with Iranian authorities. The Anjidani brothers have ties to various business ventures in Iran, including a social network and a payment platform.

AppWizard

February 10, 2026

Verum Messenger Launches Offline Architecture for True Digital Sovereignty

The “People as the Network” architecture is the technical backbone of Verum Messenger’s Offline Mode, which launched on February 2, 2026. It shifts from a Centralized Cloud model to a Decentralized Mesh Network. The system utilizes local hardware, including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Wi-Fi Direct, allowing devices to connect within a 100-meter range. Messages can "hop" from one device to another to reach recipients beyond direct range, forming an ad-hoc network without a master controller. Local Encryption ensures privacy, as encryption keys are stored on user devices, keeping messages secure during transmission. This architecture is particularly useful in network blackouts, censorship zones, and dense crowds. However, its effectiveness is limited in remote areas with sparse users, where communication relies on the signal strength of individual devices.

AppWizard

January 30, 2026

UK-based founders accused of sharing app data with Iranian authorities

Hadi and Mahdi Anjidani lead TS Information Technology, a UK branch of the Iranian firm Towse’e Saman Information Technology, known for developing Gap Messenger, a domestic alternative to Telegram. The company is registered in West Sussex, UK. Gap Messenger claims to be encrypted and not share user data with third parties, but Iranian digital rights researchers have raised concerns about its involvement in state surveillance, supported by leaked emails from Iran’s attorney general's office from 2022. Mahdi Anjidani, the CEO, has publicly supported government regulation of foreign messaging apps and has identified himself as a proponent of the Islamic Revolution. Gap Messenger operates within Iran's state-controlled internet, often during internet shutdowns linked to protests. The Anjidani brothers' business operations suggest a close alignment with Iranian authorities, as domestic messaging platforms typically require significant political backing to operate.

AppWizard

January 9, 2026

Religious statue is mocked for ‘looking like something from Minecraft’

A 100-foot statue of Jude the Apostle has been unveiled in Esperanza, Puebla State, Mexico, but has faced mockery for its design, which some compare to video game aesthetics. The statue features the saint's traditional green and white attire, with plans to add a wooden staff. Construction began in 2024 but was delayed due to weather and ecological concerns, and it was inaugurated last week. Local authorities hope it will attract pilgrims during Saint Jude Thaddeus's feast day celebrations. The backlash parallels a previous controversy in Seville regarding the restoration of a Virgin Mary statue, which led to protests and adjustments after criticism of its altered appearance.

AppWizard

November 11, 2025

‘I think we’re in the fight of our lives’: Fired Rockstar employees and IWGB are confident the GTA 6 developer will be held accountable for its alleged union busting

Over 30 employees at Rockstar Games were terminated, leading to protests organized by the Independent Workers' of Great Britain (IWGB) union, which labeled the firings as union busting. Take-Two, Rockstar's parent company, stated that the dismissals were due to "gross misconduct" related to employees discussing confidential information, denying any link to union activities. As a result of these events, the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 has been postponed from May 2026 to November 2026 to ensure quality standards. A representative from People Make Games expressed belief that the financial impact of the firings and delays has been considered by management, but he remains optimistic about the strength of worker solidarity in response to the situation.

AppWizard

October 4, 2025

Apple removes ICEBlock app after criticism from Trump administration

Apple removed the ICEBlock app from its App Store due to safety concerns raised by ICE's leadership and law enforcement about potential risks associated with the app. The app, which allowed users to report sightings of ICE agents, gained popularity after its launch in April and had over 1 million downloads. The removal was influenced by a request from the Department of Justice, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi stating that the app endangered ICE agents. Following a shooting incident at a Dallas ICE facility, criticism of ICEBlock intensified. Google also removed similar applications from its Android platform, although ICEBlock was never available there.

AppWizard

October 1, 2025

Here’s why VPN interest has surged 7,000% in 2025

Demand for VPN services is increasing significantly, with a projected surge expected by 2025. Recent research indicates a 7000% increase in VPN usage this year, driven by new laws and social media restrictions in various countries. Notable increases in VPN interest include: - Nepal: +2,892% (social media bans amid civil unrest) - United Kingdom: +1,987% (online age verification requirement) - United States: +827% (social media bans) - Iran: +707% (internet restrictions due to protests) - France: +570% (online age verification requirement) - Turkey: +188% (social media bans) - India: +72% (Pakistan content ban) In the U.S., interest rose due to a temporary TikTok ban in January 2025, with ongoing discussions about mandatory ID verification for adult content access in some states. Historically, VPNs have been essential for bypassing censorship and maintaining communication in conflict regions, as seen in Nepal and Iran.

AppWizard

September 30, 2025

Madagascar Protesters Turn to Offline Messaging App as Crisis Deepens

Protests erupted in Antananarivo, Madagascar, on September 25, 2025, due to daily power cuts exceeding 12 hours, escalating into violence and resulting in five fatalities. Law enforcement responded with rubber bullets and tear gas, and a curfew was imposed. The protests, led by three municipal officials, were named “Leo Délestage.” Amid the unrest, interest in the offline messaging app Bitchat surged, with downloads reaching over 71,000 in the week of the protests. Bitchat operates via Bluetooth without requiring internet access, catering to the digital inequality in Madagascar, where only 6.6 million of 32 million residents have internet access. Similar patterns of increased Bitchat downloads were observed in Nepal and Indonesia during political unrest. Bitchat, launched in July 2025 by Jack Dorsey, is designed for decentralized and private communication, making it a vital resource for protesters in Madagascar.

AppWizard

September 6, 2025

Russia targets WhatsApp and pushes new ‘super-app’ as internet blackouts grow

Marina, a 45-year-old freelance copywriter, has experienced disruptions in WhatsApp and Telegram services due to new restrictions by Roskomnadzor, affecting communication for millions of Russians. The restrictions coincide with the launch of a state-sponsored app called Max, which is being promoted heavily and is required to be pre-installed on devices sold in Russia as of September 1. Max is designed to integrate various services, including government and banking, similar to China's WeChat, but raises privacy concerns due to its data-sharing policies. In addition to app restrictions, many regions in Russia are experiencing regular mobile internet outages, justified by the government as protection against potential drone attacks, but criticized by experts. The Kremlin's tightening control over internet freedoms has been ongoing since 2012 and intensified following the invasion of Ukraine. The government is working on a plan to limit online access to essential services during outages, further increasing control over the population's digital activities.

AppWizard

August 27, 2025

Spotify makes bid to become an everything app with in-app messaging

Spotify has introduced an in-app messaging feature designed to enhance social connectivity while prioritizing user privacy. Users can only message those with whom they have previously shared content, and they can control who can message them or disable the feature through privacy settings. Spotify has expanded its social features by allowing comments on podcasts and may introduce song commenting in the future. The platform faces challenges, including a partnership with music publisher Kobalt amid protests from songwriters over reduced royalties, leading some artists to leave the platform. The messaging feature allows users to share tracks directly with friends or potential romantic interests.