Iranian law enforcement leaders have stated that the hijab and chastity framework is now being put into practice through the deployment of surveillance and smart tools. The police chief, Ahmed Reza Radan, conveyed that the new rules are being enforced with a system that relies on security cameras. He asserted that video surveillance on public roads enhances accuracy in identifying violations related to the headscarf requirement, and he spoke of this approach during the Jerusalem Day commemoration as reported by Hammihan, a national newspaper.
Earlier, the national police announced plans to expand the use of cameras and other smart devices to prevent friction and disturbances linked to obeying the veil mandate. The police stated that intelligent cameras and related technologies would be deployed on streets to reduce tensions with citizens over the hijab law. Officials explained that the aim is to pinpoint individuals who do not comply with the public chastity standards and to manage violations in a manner consistent with public safety and legal procedures, as reported by Mizan News Agency and Farda, the Persian language service of Radio Liberty.
Initial steps involve sending warning notices to those deemed noncompliant and informing them of the potential legal consequences if violations recur. In parallel, concerns have been raised by advocates within the religious establishment regarding the broader consequences of enforcement, including potential impacts on personal freedoms and access to services such as licensing, travel documentation, or internet access under the Afaf and Hijab program. Some voices warn that penalties could extend beyond fines to more restrictive measures affecting daily life, which would be carried out through a framework of proportionality and due process as outlined by the relevant authorities.
As the policy unfolds, observers note that the integration of technology into public order efforts reflects a broader trend toward data-driven governance. Proponents argue that real-time monitoring can deter violations more effectively than traditional methods while reducing direct confrontations between police and the public. Critics caution that surveillance intensity raises questions about privacy, civil liberties, and the potential for overreach in enforcing social norms. The discussion continues as officials emphasize the necessity of clear procedures, accountability, and safeguards against misuse while reinforcing the state’s responsibility to maintain social cohesion and public safety in a complex urban landscape.