Big Brother in the Sky: Iran’s Drone-Powered Hijab Enforcement

New York, N.Y. — In a startling development, the United Nations has reported that Iran is employing advanced surveillance technology, including drones and mobile applications, to enforce its mandatory hijab laws. This intensified crackdown on women’s dress code violations marks a significant escalation in the Islamic Republic‘s efforts to maintain strict control over its citizens’ appearance and behavior.

State-Sponsored Vigilantism and Digital Surveillance

The U.N.’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran has uncovered a pattern of “state-sponsored vigilantism” that utilizes digital surveillance to punish women who defy the country’s mandatory hijab laws. 

This comprehensive digital monitoring framework is being used to stifle opposition, with a particular focus on women who choose not to comply with the strict dress code.

Drone Surveillance

Iranian authorities are deploying drones to monitor women’s adherence to hijab laws in public areas, particularly in Tehran and southern regions of the country. These aerial surveillance devices provide a bird’s-eye view of public spaces, allowing officials to identify and target individuals who are not complying with the dress code.

Facial Recognition Technology

In addition to drones, the government has implemented facial recognition systems to keep tabs on female students. For instance, such technology has been installed at the entrance of Tehran’s Amirkabir University. This invasive measure allows authorities to identify and potentially punish students who do not adhere to the hijab requirements.

Mobile Applications

One of the key elements in this technological crackdown is the government-backed Nazer app. This application enables both police and “vetted” members of the public to report alleged violations by women in vehicles, including those in ambulances, mass transit, and taxis. The app allows users to upload the vehicle’s license plate, location, and time of the alleged violation, triggering real-time alerts to the police and warnings to vehicle owners.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

The consequences for women who challenge these laws or protest against them can be severe. Punishments range from arrests and vehicle seizures to physical assault and even sexual violence while in custody. This harsh treatment has created an atmosphere of fear and oppression, with many women feeling constantly monitored and exposed.

Ongoing Protests and Resistance

Despite the threat of violent arrests and imprisonment, protests against the mandatory hijab laws continue. These demonstrations were initially sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody in 2022 after being detained by the morality police. Witnesses claimed that Amini was severely beaten during her detention, although authorities dismissed claims of mistreatment and attributed her death to “sudden heart failure.”

International Concern and Human Rights Implications

The U..N report highlights the systematic discrimination faced by women and girls in Iran, both in law and in practice. This discrimination permeates all aspects of their lives, particularly with respect to the enforcement of the mandatory hijab. The international community has expressed concern over these human rights violations and the increasing use of technology to enforce restrictive laws.

As Iran continues to tighten its grip on women’s freedoms through technological means, the struggle for personal autonomy and human rights in the country intensifies. The use of drones, facial recognition, and citizen-reporting apps represents a new frontier in state control, raising important questions about privacy, individual liberty, and the role of technology in enforcing social norms.

The Digital Veil: How Iran Uses Apps to Police Women’s Attire (March 15, 2025)

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Tags: Iran, Hijab Laws, Surveillance Technology, Women’s Rights, United Nations, Drones, Facial Recognition, Mobile Apps, Human Rights, Protests