A recent report by the United Nations highlights that Iran is now relying on digital tools to track and penalise women. These tools are used against women who fail to comply with the strict dress code. The Islamic country is deploying advanced surveillance technology, including drones, facial recognition, and a government-backed mobile app, to enforce its mandatory hijab laws.
How Is Iran Monitoring Hijab Compliance?
The UN report further states how Iran has escalated its use of artificial intelligence and mass surveillance to suppress dissent, especially targeting women and girls. One of the measures, is the “Nazer” mobile application. This app allows both police and civilians to report women who are found violating the hijab laws. Through the Nazer app, users can submit a vehicle’s license plate number, location, and time of the violation, after which authorities are notified.
Following the report, the app then flags the vehicle in an online system, alerting police and triggering an automatic text message to the vehicle’s registered owner. The warning message highlights that repeated offenses could lead to the vehicle being impounded.
It is stated that Iran has expanded the app’s scope, and integrated it with law enforcement through the FARAJA website. Moreover, its coverage was widened to include women travelling in ambulances, taxis, and public transportation in September 2024. This move further tightened cintril over public spaces.
Aerial Drones For Tracking
Not only this, the Iranian government has begun using aerial drones in Tehran and southern regions to monitor hijab compliance. Notably, surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition software were installed at the entrance of Amirkabir University in early 2024.
However, it is important to note that Iran’s proposed “Hijab and Chastity” law, which was suspended in December 2024, still remains a serious threat. If enacted, the legislation would impose severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines reaching USD 12,000 for non-compliance.
The law would also grant Iran to broaden hijab regulations, while further increasing the use of surveillance technology. According to the Article 286 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, the report states, women accused of “corruption on earth” could even face the death penalty.
