Massachusetts lawmakers are proposing a new bill that would make it illegal to attach firearms or other weapons to robots or drones. The legislation, if passed, would be the first of its kind in the country. It would also prohibit using robotic devices to threaten, harass, or restrain individuals.
The bill, filed by state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and state Sen. Michael Moore, aims to establish strict regulations around the use of robots and drones equipped or mounted with weapons. The proposed law would also require law enforcement officials to obtain warrants before using robots for surveillance or entering private property.
Violators of the new laws would face fines ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. However, there are some exceptions to the legislation. The Department of Defense and its contractors, as well as law enforcement agencies disposing of explosives, would be exempt.
The bill also includes provisions for private companies involved in testing “anti-weaponization technologies” to be exempt from the ban, with case-by-case approval from the attorney general.
The introduction of this legislation reflects growing concerns about the potential dangers and misuse of robotic weapons and artificial intelligence. State Sen. Michael Moore stated that the bill aims to establish reasonable regulations that protect the public, prevent harassment, and prohibit the weaponization of technology without strict oversight.
– Definitions:
– Robotics: The branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots.
– Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles that can be remotely controlled or autonomously flown.
– Legislation: Laws or sets of laws enacted by a government.
– Weaponization: The process of adapting or modifying something to be used as a weapon.
– Source: No source provided.