Tehran [Iran]: Iran is increasingly relying on advanced surveillance technology, including drones, facial recognition systems, and a government-backed mobile app, to enforce its mandatory hijab laws, CNN reported, citing a United Nations report released Friday.
The report reveals Iran’s growing dependence on digital tools to track and penalize women who fail to comply with the country’s strict dress code.
A significant element of this effort is the “Nazer” mobile application, which allows both police and civilians to report women who violate hijab laws. Users can submit a vehicle’s license plate number, along with the location and time of the violation, which then alerts authorities.
Once flagged, the vehicle is added to an online system that notifies the police and automatically sends a warning text to the vehicle’s registered owner. The message warns of the violation and states that repeated offenses could result in the vehicle being impounded.
According to CNN, the Iranian government expanded the app’s coverage in September 2024, extending its reach to women traveling in ambulances, taxis, and public transportation — further tightening surveillance across public spaces.
In addition to the app, Iran has deployed aerial drones in Tehran and southern regions to monitor hijab compliance. Surveillance cameras equipped with facial recognition software were also installed at the entrance of Amirkabir University in early 2024 to track female students who violate the dress code.
While Iran’s proposed “Hijab and Chastity” law was suspended in December 2024 following internal debate, the UN report warns that it still poses a serious threat. If enacted, the law could impose severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to 10 years and fines of up to USD 12,000 for non-compliance.
The legislation would also expand the security forces’ authority to enforce hijab regulations and increase the use of surveillance technology. The report notes that under Article 286 of Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, women accused of “corruption on earth” could even face the death penalty.
The UN report arrives amid ongoing protests against Iran’s hijab laws and broader political and social issues. Demonstrations erupted in 2022 following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. The UN estimates that hundreds of people were killed in the ensuing crackdown.