Iran is ramping up its efforts to enforce strict dress codes for women, using drones and smartphone apps to monitor compliance. The United Nations has reported that the Iranian government is employing these technologies to suppress dissent, particularly targeting women who choose not to wear the mandatory hijab.
According to a recent UN investigation, Iranian security forces are encouraging citizens to report women they see violating dress codes, especially in public transportation like taxis and ambulances. This strategy is described as "state-sponsored vigilantism," where ordinary people are enlisted to help enforce the rules.
The report highlights the increasing use of drones and security cameras in cities like Tehran and southern Iran to ensure women adhere to hijab laws. For those who resist or protest these regulations, the consequences can be severe, including arrest, physical abuse, and even sexual violence while in custody.
In a notable example of this enforcement, facial recognition software has been installed at the entrance of Tehran’s Amirkabir University to identify women not wearing the hijab. Surveillance cameras on major roads are also being used to spot women who are uncovered.
The Iranian police have introduced an app called "Nazer," which allows users to report women not wearing the hijab in various vehicles. Users can provide details like the vehicle’s location and license plate number, which then alerts authorities. The owner of the vehicle receives a warning, and repeated violations could lead to the vehicle being impounded.
The UN report is based on interviews with nearly 300 victims and witnesses, revealing a judicial system that lacks independence. It also documents instances of torture and intimidation of victims and their families. Some protesters, including minors, have reportedly been executed, with the government labeling these deaths as suicides.
This crackdown follows the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, who died in custody after being arrested by the morality police. Her death sparked widespread protests against the regime, which continue despite threats of violence and imprisonment.
The findings of the UN report are set to be presented to the Human Rights Council on March 18, shedding light on the ongoing struggles faced by women in Iran as they confront systemic discrimination and state oppression.