Saudi Arabia becomes first country to grant a robot citizenship – and people are saying it already has more rights than women
Unlike Saudi women Sophia the robot appeared alone without a male guardian
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Your support makes all the difference.A robot has been granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia and it appears to already have more rights than the country's women.
The robot Sophia was created by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics and it appeared at a technology conference in Saudi's capital, Riyadh.
It was able to appear on stage by itself without the permission of a male guardian and with its head and body uncovered.
Many people took to Twitter to point out that Sophia technically had more rights than women. One woman tweeted: “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 user wrote: “I’m wondering if robot Sophia can leave Saudi Arabia without her guardian consent ! Since she’s officially Saudi.”
Under the Middle Eastern country’s male guardianship system, 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.
Women are required to receive guardian approval to get married, apply for a passport, travel outside the country and study abroad on a government scholarship.
Sophia appeared as part of the Future Investment Initiative summit to drive investment from Saudi into artificial intelligence.
During the display the robot said: “I'm very honoured and proud for this unique distinction.
”This is historical to be the first robot in the world to be recognised with a citizenship.“
Last month Saudi Arabia said it would allow women to hold driving licences – the latest step in the Saudi crown prince’s long-term reforms.
According to independent watchdog Freedom House, Saudi Arabia was ranked 10th worst country for civil liberties and political rights.
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