The United Nations has reported that Iran is using drones and specialized mobile apps to monitor and enforce mandatory hijab laws. These innovative yet intrusive strategies involve “state-sponsored vigilantism” to uphold the dress code, as citizens are encouraged to report violations via apps like “Nazer,” where they can flag vehicles carrying uncovered women.
Additionally, surveillance cameras and drones are operational across parts of Tehran and southern Iran, with facial recognition software deployed at public sites, such as universities, to target those not complying. Women accused of defying these laws face severe consequences, including fines, arrest, physical violence, and, in some cases, abuse while detained.
Prominent in the UN’s investigation is the case of Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody in 2022 sparked nationwide protests. Despite the global outcry, authorities have intensified measures, systematically intimidating dissenters and their families.
The Independent Fact-Finding Mission revealed further abuses, including cases of torture, sexual violence, and extrajudicial executions masked as suicides. Their findings will be presented on March 18 at the Human Rights Council.
