How Iran Drone uses, apps to catch women without hijabs

Iran has significantly climbed the efforts to apply the mandatory Hijab laws on women, using the latest technology to monitor and punish those who defy the strict dress code. A recent report by the United Nations sheds light on the alarming degree of Iran’s addiction on technology to supervise and control women’s behavior.

At the center of this repression is the mobile application “nazer”, an instrument supported by the government, which empowers citizens and law enforcement to report women for alleged violations of the Hijab law. This application allows users to load crucial information, including registration plates, locations and hours, which are then used to “signal” the online vehicles and warn the authorities.

The report reveals that the application also triggers a text message to the registered owner of the vehicle, warning and threatening that they will impose their vehicle if they ignore the warnings. This intrusive supervision mechanism has been extended to target women in ambulances, taxis and public transport, eroding and still freedom and autonomy.

In addition to the “nazer” application, the Iranian authorities have held air drones in Tehran and South Iran to monitor public spaces and apply the compliance of Hijab. The facial recognition software was also installed at the entrance gate of the Amirkabir University in Tehran to supervise the women of the students and to ensure their respect to the strict dress code.

The UN report condemns the systemic violations of Iran’s human rights against humanity, especially the repression of dissident and targeting of women and girls. The report highlights the devastating impact of the compulsory Hijab law, which led to widespread protests and led to hundreds of deaths.

The draft law of Iran, “Hijab and Chastity”, is a severe threat to women and girls in the country. If adopted, the law would impose hard sanctions, including up to 10 years in prison and fines equivalent to $ 12,000, for non -compliance. The law would also grant improvement powers to Iran’s security apparatus, increasing the use of technology and supervision to monitor and control women’s behavior. It was suspended in December 2024, after an internal debate.

The UN report serves as an increased memory of the tireless efforts of the Iranian government to suppress women’s rights and freedoms. The international community must continue to condemn the abuses for the human rights of Iran and support the brave women and girls who fight for their freedom and autonomy.