Saudi Arabia Grants Citizenship To A Robot
Saudi Arabia might not be considered a bastion of human rights but for they are still willing to give out citizenship to residents of the robotic kind. The kingdom recently granted citizenship to Sophia the robot who also appears to have more rights than most Saudi women.
Created by the Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics, Sophia recently appeared at a technology conference in Saudi's capital, Riyadh. "She" was also unaccompanied by a male guardian and attended the event with her head and body uncovered in violation of Saudi custom, something that many people were quick to notice.
Some took to Twitter to point out that Sophia technically had more rights than women. One user wrote, "Sophia, the first robot to be granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia, has more rights than the human women there. Strike anyone else as odd?" Another one asked, "I'm wondering if robot Sophia can leave Saudi Arabia without her guardian consent! Since she's officially Saudi."
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Under Saudi law, every woman must have a male guardian, a husband or relative, who has the authority to make a range of critical decisions on her behalf. The country's male guardianship system, women also need to receive a guardian's approval to get married, apply for a passport, travel outside the country, and even to study abroad on a government scholarship.
Sophia seems to be aware of her privilege, being the only robot to be recognized as a citizen of a country. However, she seems to be indifferent to the plight of Saudi women who see her as someone who has more rights than them.
"I'm very honoured and proud for this unique distinction," she said during the event. "This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognized with a citizenship."
Last month, Saudi Arabia announced that they will finally be allowing women to drive as well as get licenses in the latest step in the Saudi crown prince's long-term reforms. Previously, women caught driving were subject to severe punishment, something that was heavily criticized by feminists and human rights advocates around the world.
