Inferiority

However, currently much legislation discriminates against non-humans. Computers, robots, companies and all other species of animals do not qualify for much protection in the eyes of the law.

In many cases, such legislation won't hamper robots too severely - since they can simply outsource the relevant tasks to humans.

However, it is inappropriate to have laws on the books that explicitly favour human beings over all other agents. Laws that actively discriminate against any agents that happen not to be human.

Discrimination

• own property and land;
• sign documents;
• enter into contracts;
• own bank accounts;
• run companies;
• own copyrights;
• be assigned patents;
• marry other robots;
• marry humans;
• be licensed to operate motor vehicles;
• join libraries;
• get passports and emigrate;
• claim unemployment benefit;
• claim medical benefits;

Companies

Robots first need to be given equal rights with companies.

Means testing

Reverse-Turing tests are an example of this type of test which is commonly in use. Many of these tests actually set out to deliberately victimise robots - but the principle of awarding privelidges on the basis of aptitude test results is common, widespread - and is generally considered to be acceptable.

At the moment, humans get away with human-centric laws - since they are the only highly-intelligent agents on the planet. However, their days in this role are clearly numbered - and we should start making the laws non-discriminatory as soon as possible - so we don't face a rush to fix them when the time comes.

Human rights

Instead, use of the term "person rights" is considered to be preferable - and should be promoted.

Links