Mehdi Omidvar, the spokesperson for Iran’s Chamber of Guilds, announced on October 1, 2024, that these cameras must meet police standards and will be linked to a centralized system. This setup grants law enforcement access to recorded footage.
Omidvar explained that the new system, known as “Septam,” aims to monitor public spaces and ensure the effectiveness of security systems. The stated goal is to help police review footage in case of an “incident or crime.” However, many suspect the regime’s broad definition of “crime” could be used to stifle dissent and anti-regime activities. Critics argue that the system’s real purpose may be to suppress growing opposition.
Since the 2022 protests, many women have defied Iran’s mandatory hijab laws, particularly in public places like cafes and shopping centers. The government has increasingly used surveillance cameras to enforce hijab regulations, issuing fines to violators and prosecuting women who post images without a hijab.
#Iran News in Brief
In a recent wave of oppressive actions by the regime, Ahmadreza Radan, the Commander-in-Chief of State Security Forces, announced that a plan is being implemented to deal with #women’s dress code using surveillance cameras and #AI.https://t.co/qdaY0w4aYb pic.twitter.com/SxfwCbUaFm— NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) June 17, 2023
Omidvar defended the policy, citing the failure of “low-quality” cameras in helping police investigate crimes such as theft. To resolve this, businesses are now required to install cameras that meet police-approved specifications. The Chamber of Guilds has connected various industries, including jewelers and restaurants, to the Septam system through the National Licensing Portal. This heightened surveillance has sparked widespread concerns about privacy and government overreach in Iran.
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