Iran is deploying drones and digital surveillance to suppress dissent, especially targeting women who defy the Islamic Republic’s strict dress code, the United Nations has reported. The latest findings highlight an alarming rise in state-sponsored monitoring and harsh punishments for those who refuse to comply.
Investigators revealed that Iranian security forces are using a tactic called “state-sponsored vigilantism” to encourage citizens to report women accused of hijab violations. Specialised mobile apps allow individuals to send information to authorities, including vehicle licence plate numbers of alleged offenders. The report also exposes Iran’s increasing use of security cameras and drones to monitor compliance with hijab laws in Tehran and other regions.
The consequences for those who resist are severe. Women who defy hijab laws face arrest, brutal beatings, and even rape in custody. The UN’s Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran cited the case of Mahsa Amini, whose death in police custody in 2022 sparked mass protests. Authorities denied she was mistreated, blaming a heart condition, but witnesses claim she was beaten.
Iranian universities and roads are now equipped with surveillance tools, including facial recognition software, to identify uncovered women. The “Nazer” mobile app, created by Iranian police, allows vetted users to report hijab violations in public transport and taxis. Offenders receive warning messages, and repeat violations could lead to vehicle confiscation.
UN investigators interviewed nearly 300 witnesses, uncovering systemic torture, forced confessions, and extrajudicial executions. The report, to be presented to the Human Rights Council on 18 March, paints a troubling picture of Iran’s growing reliance on digital repression to enforce strict social control.
