ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the issue of the mistreatment of robots. How abuse of robots is perceived and what law could do about it are discussed. Studies have suggested that people respond to violence against robots differently from similar acts performed on other artificial artifacts. People empathize with robots’ pain even if they cannot feel it. Observing such events is unpleasant and perceived as immoral. Different proportions of responding to violence against robots, including the author's proposition, are considered. The author argues that public violence against robots is an act in contradiction with public morality and can be banned, not for the sake of robots but for the sake of humans. Banning violence against robots would be similar to a ban on drinking alcohol in public places or being naked, which are also not bad per se but undesirable in specific social contexts. The legislative proposition is presented and discussed.
