S.T.O.P. Applauds Mass. Killer Robots Bill, Demands NY Ban

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For Immediate Release S.T.O.P. Applauds Mass. Killer Robots Bill, Demands NY Ban (New York, NY 9/13/2023) – Today, the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project (S.T.O.P.), a New York-based privacy and civil rights group, applauds a Massachusetts’s bill banning the manufacture, sale, or operation of armed drones and robots. Introduced by state Representative Lindsay Sabadosa and Senator Michael Moore, the bill also bans the technology’s use to threaten, harass, or physically restrain people. S.T.O.P. called on New York lawmakers to outlaw killer robots and acts of robotic violence. SEE: Boston Globe – Mass. bill proposed to ban sales and operation of weaponized robots https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/12/business/mass-bill-proposed-ban-sales-operation-weaponized-robots/ “Robotic violence is no longer science fiction, and we need lawmakers to keep up with the technology,” said Surveillance Technology Oversight Project Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. “Not only are drone killings now routine abroad, we’ve even seen it happen here in the U.S. Today, no state has any law banning robotic violence, even as drones become increasingly routine. Given the number of drones our mayor is insisting we buy, it’s even more urgent for New York to enact a broad ban on all forms of robotic violence. Nearly a century ago, Isaac Asimov told us that one day the laws of robotics would keep humans safe from machines. Real life proved more dystopian, and since machine makers are letting their devices hurt humans, lawmakers need to fill in the gap.” In April, the civil rights group condemned Mayor Eric Adam’s and NYPD Commissioner Sewell’s launch of “knockoff Robocop” police drones and other technologies, including Boston Robotics’ Digidog. Last fall, S.T.O.P. condemned the San Francisco Police Department’s proposal to use robots with lethal force while responding to incidents. SEE: Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns NYPD’s ‘Knockoff Robocop’ Police Drones https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2023/4/11/stop-condemns-nypds-knockoff-robocop-police-drones Press Release - S.T.O.P. Condemns SFPD Proposal For Lethal Force Robots https://www.stopspying.org/latest-news/2022/11/29/stop-condemns-sfpd-proposal-for-lethal-force-robots The Surveillance Technology Oversight Project is a non-profit advocacy organization and legal services provider. S.T.O.P. litigates and advocates for privacy, fighting excessive local and state-level surveillance. Our work highlights the discriminatory impact of surveillance on Muslim Americans, immigrants, and communities of color. --END-- CONTACT: S.T.O.P. Executive Director Albert Fox Cahn. Copyright © 2021 Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, All rights reserved.