Iranian Authorities Announce Mandatory Digital Surveillance System for All Public Transportation Passengers
(Tehran, Iran) — The Iranian Ministry of Interior has issued a formal directive mandating the implementation of a new, nationwide digital surveillance system for all public transportation, including buses, trains, and taxis within major urban centers. This new policy, announced on Monday, establishes that all passengers must register their personal identification via a centralized mobile application before boarding any public transit vehicle. Officials state the system is designed for enhanced security and efficiency, requiring passengers to scan a digital code assigned to their specific trip. Technical experts cite the integration of biometric data and real-time location tracking to verify passenger identity and movement across the network. Civil rights advocates have raised immediate concerns over privacy and mass monitoring, questioning the legal basis for the collection and storage of movement data. The measure is set to take effect across all provincial capitals, with a compliance deadline of Monday, January 12, 2027.