Criticism after robot granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia
NEWDELHI: Saudi Arabia’s move to grant citizenship to a robot woman has been widely criticised on social media, with users pointing out that the automaton had more rights than millions of women and foreign workers in the country.
Sophia, the robot with female features that can display facial expressions and have conversations, debuted at an economic summit in the capital Riyadh on Wednesday. It was announced at the event that the government had granted Sophia “the first Saudi citizenship for a robot”.
“I’m very honoured and proud for this unique distinction,” Sophia said at the Future Investment Initiative. “This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognised with a citizenship.”
Within hours, social media users linked the issue to women and civil rights in the conservative kingdom, noting that Sophia had appeared on stage alone without a male guardian – a requirement under Saudi law – and without the hijab (headscarf) and abaya (cloak) Saudi women are required to don in public.
An Arabic hashtag that translates to “Sophia demands the repeal of guardianship” was used with numerous tweets.
Under Saudi law, male guardians must give permission to women for matters such as travelling abroad or opening bank accounts.
One use tweeted a photo of the robot wearing a black veil with the caption, “What Sophia will look like after a while.”
Social media users also noted that Sophia, made by American firm Hanson Robotics, had gained more rights than foreign workers, many of whom have fled oppressive working conditions but are prevented by law from leaving Saudi Arabia.