Iran deploys drones to enforce hijab: Women face death penalty for non-compliance

The scenario of the forced hijab law in Iran has hit a desperate level, as was recently exposed in a United Nations (UN) report. The regime of Iran is now using sophisticated electronic monitoring and citizens' aid in enforcing hijab compliance in women in public places. The report exposes the utilization of drones and mobile apps in monitoring and punishing women who violate the dress code.

Iran has also embraced drones as the new means to impose hijab regulations. As reported, drones are patrolling public spaces to observe women who do not have hijabs on. The security forces rely on footage from drones to recognize offenders and target areas where women are more likely to disregard the dress code.

Facial recognition and mobile apps

Apart from drones, facial recognition software has been deployed at Tehran's Amir Kabir University to pick out women who refuse to wear hijabs. Additionally, Iranian police have introduced a mobile application named "Nazar," through which citizens can report women who are not wearing hijabs on public transport like buses, metros, taxis, and even ambulances. The app enables people to report infractions anonymously to the authorities.

Growing curbs on women

The UN report further says that even after months of mass protests from September 2022, Iranian women remain subject to institutional discrimination through compulsory hijab regulations. The government has pressed on with its efforts by urging citizens and private groups to regard enforcement as a civic responsibility.

A grim reality for women

The deployment of drones and apps highlights increasing severity of Iranian women's restrictions. While meant to enforce compliance, they have also attracted worldwide criticism for violating people's rights to freedom and privacy. International observers remain keenly attentive as tensions escalate in the country.