In a global first, Saudi Arabia has become the first country to grant citizenship to a robot.
Aside from the general weirdness over granting a robot citizenship, several people have expressed outrage that "Sophia" apparently has more rights than actual human women living in the country.
"Sophia Robot," as she's named on her online business card, was developed by American firm Hanson Robotics. The robot was given to Saudi Arabia, who then granted her citizenship.
In a Twitter post from Sophia, the robot "said":
"It is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with citizenship." Please welcome the newest Saudi: Sophia. #FII2017 pic.twitter.com/bsv5LmKwlf
— CIC Saudi Arabia (@CICSaudi) October 25, 2017
The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia moves to become a tech mecca, where firms can invest in research and development for other artificial intelligence projects. But unfortunately, the whole thing was overshadowed by Saudi Arabia's poor treatment of its own women.
Many online have expressed criticism over the hypocrisy of allowing a robot woman to be allowed in the public space without facial coverings while real women are forced to follow a strict dress code policy, with grueling consequences for defiance.
Sophia also enjoys autonomy and can go into public spaces unattended, while actual Saudi women require male guardianship to even go outside.
Mashable obtained a few Tweets from users upset over the hypocritical decision by the Saudi government.
#صوفيا_تطالب_باسقاط_الولايه
— Indeed 🇸🇦 (@o7_fy) October 25, 2017
I want to become Sophia one day and get my rights
#صوفيا_تطالب_باسقاط_الولايه
— M420 (@moonshiner99) October 25, 2017
Sofi Since You Became Saudi Now You Are Not Allowed To Walk in Public Without Your Hijab And of course Abaya too pic.twitter.com/HJIXfxDODe
The only type of women Saudi Arabia gives full rights to...a robot one, and a foreigner at that.
— Anne C Imakumbili (@anne_imakumbili) October 25, 2017
How uncomfortable a feeling it must be to live in a country as a woman and know that computers and machinery are endowed with more rights than yourself.
Perhaps rather than bestowing citizenship on a robot, the country would've been better suited granting rights to its own citizens first.
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