Iran To Use Drones To Spy On Women

Iran’s Use of Drones to Enforce Hijab Laws: A New Form of Sex-Based Surveillance

By Annette "Annie" Fundora

Tehran, Iran – The Iranian government has intensified its crackdown on women’s dress codes by employing surveillance drones to monitor compliance with the country’s mandatory hijab laws. This latest development represents a disturbing escalation in state-controlled policing of women’s bodies, further entrenching the oppressive system that has long subjected Iranian women to sex-based violence and discrimination.

The use of drones to enforce hijab laws comes in the wake of continued defiance by Iranian women, who have increasingly rejected compulsory veiling since the 2022 uprising sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini—a 22-year-old woman who died in police custody after being detained by the so-called “morality police” for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. Amini’s death ignited nationwide protests under the rallying cry of “Woman, Life, Freedom,” as thousands of women publicly removed their veils, risking arrest, imprisonment, and brutal retaliation.

In response, the Iranian regime has doubled down on its control measures, integrating advanced technology into its surveillance tactics. Reports from Tehran and other major cities indicate that drones are now being deployed in public spaces to identify and track women who fail to comply with the mandatory dress code. These aerial patrols function as an extension of the morality police, feeding data to authorities who can then target women for arrest, fines, or even physical violence.

This technological enforcement represents more than just state oppression—it is a form of sex-based violence designed to intimidate and subjugate women under the guise of religious law. For decades, Iranian women have faced systemic discrimination in every aspect of life, from employment and education to legal rights and personal freedom. The hijab mandate is not simply about clothing; it is a symbol of the regime’s broader efforts to control women’s autonomy through coercion and fear.

Despite these measures, Iranian women continue to resist. Acts of defiance—such as walking in public without a hijab, filming police brutality, and organizing underground networks—persist in the face of brutal crackdowns. The international community has condemned Iran’s treatment of women, yet the regime remains defiant, escalating its surveillance tactics rather than addressing the legitimate demands of its female citizens. The use of drones to enforce veiling laws marks a chilling new chapter in Iran’s war against women. By fusing modern technology with archaic oppression, the government is attempting to solidify its grip on half the population.