The creators of a messaging app accused of handing user data to the Iranian regime live on a windswept hill in a British coastal town, the Guardian can reveal. It is the UK branch of an Iranian software corporation, Towse’e Saman Information Technology (TSIT). Mahdi Anjidani, TSIT’s chief executive, has also widely espoused pro-regime views in Iranian media – including pushing for draconian censorship measures on a broadcast by state television. It’s about consolidating surveillance and shrinking the space for independent expression.”Gap boasts more than 1m downloads on Google’s Play store, and 4m more on Cafe Bazaar, an Iranian app store. Photograph: FacebookIn Iran, Mahdi Anjidani has been featured on a podcast and profiled as an up-and-coming tech entrepreneur.