Iran is increasingly relying on technology, including drones, facial recognition software, and a mobile application, to enforce its mandatory hijab laws, according to a United Nations report released on Friday. The report details how the Iranian government is intensifying its efforts to monitor and punish women who fail to comply with the country’s strict dress code.
At the center of this crackdown is the government-backed “Nazer” mobile app, which allows both citizens and law enforcement to report women they believe are violating hijab regulations. The app enables users to upload key details, such as a vehicle’s license plate, location, and time, when a woman is spotted not wearing a hijab. Once uploaded, the information flags the vehicle online, alerting the police, and a text message is sent in real-time to the vehicle’s registered owner, warning them of the violation and the potential for the vehicle to be impounded.
In September 2024, the scope of the app’s use was expanded to include women traveling in ambulances, taxis, and public transport, further tightening restrictions on those defying the dress code.
Surveillance Technologies Increasingly Deployed
In addition to the app, Iranian authorities have deployed aerial drones in Tehran and parts of southern Iran to monitor public spaces for hijab compliance, the report states. Facial recognition software has also been introduced at the entrance gates of Amirkabir University in Tehran in early 2024 to monitor female students.
The extensive use of these technologies to track and penalize women has sparked serious human rights concerns. The UN’s fact-finding mission accuses Iran of systematic human rights violations and crimes against humanity, particularly in its treatment of women and girls.
Potential Legal Penalties and Death Penalty
Despite internal debates that led to the suspension of the controversial “Hijab and Chastity” law in December 2024, fears remain about its potential future implementation. If passed, the law would impose severe penalties on women who refuse to wear the hijab, including up to 10 years in prison and fines equivalent to $12,000. Under Article 286 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, women accused of “corruption on earth”—a charge often linked to political dissent—could face the death penalty.
This law would also grant security forces expanded powers, increasing the surveillance and enforcement of the hijab law across the country.
Historical Context and Public Backlash
Iran’s hijab laws have been a longstanding source of public discontent. The 2022 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police, allegedly for violating the hijab law, ignited widespread protests. According to the UN, hundreds of people were killed during the subsequent demonstrations, which not only opposed the hijab law but also broader dissatisfaction with government policies.
The UN report highlights growing opposition within Iranian society to the dress code, with many citizens continuing to protest against the enforcement of such restrictive laws. As Iran moves forward with the use of advanced surveillance technologies, the global community is closely watching the implications for women’s rights and freedoms in the country.
