
UN Report: Iran’s Use of Drones to Enforce Hijab Laws
A recent United Nations report reveals that Iran has intensified its enforcement of mandatory hijab laws by employing advanced surveillance technologies, including drones, facial recognition software, and mobile applications.
The Iranian government has deployed aerial drones in Tehran and southern regions to monitor women’s compliance with hijab regulations. Additionally, surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition capabilities have been installed in educational institutions and public spaces to identify and penalize women violating the dress code.
A significant tool in this enforcement strategy is the government-backed mobile application “Nazer,” which enables both the police and vetted members of the public to report hijab violations. Users can upload details such as vehicle license plates, locations, and times of alleged infractions. Upon submission, the app alerts authorities and sends real-time text messages to registered vehicle owners, warning them of potential penalties, including vehicle impoundment.
These measures follow widespread protests that erupted in 2022 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody after being detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. The UN report highlights that the Iranian regime’s intensified surveillance tactics have led to increased penalties, arrests, and even instances of violence against women defying the mandatory dress code.