The San Francisco City Council in northern California on Tuesday (December 6th) voted against the adoption of a resolution calling for the use by city law enforcement of robots capable of killing, but did not totally rule out the idea, sending the measure back to committee.
These "killer robots", intended to be deployed in certain extreme cases, such as terrorist attacks or mass killings, are fueling an intense controversy after the city council was in favor of their use last week.
“Last week, despite ethical fears, I supported the legislation, but for the past week I have not felt comfortable with the subject.
I don't think armed, remote-controlled robots will make us any safer
," city council member Gordon Mar said Tuesday.
"Last resort"
Eventually, the council backtracked by approving legislation that allows San Francisco police to obtain military equipment, but without the use of robots.
This was sent back to committee, and will be put to a new vote shortly.
Many opponents have criticized this measure, fearing that it will lead to an increase in police violence and a future worthy of the film “Robocop”.
During the municipal council, several opponents entered during the session, signs in hand.
Earlier in the day, dozens of people protested outside San Francisco City Hall, with signs asking
"not to arm the police with new weapons"
or further stating that
"killer robots are not the solution”
.
Read alsoSan Francisco wants to authorize its police to use robots capable of killing
"The use of robots in potentially deadly situations is an option of last resort
," San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said in a statement in early December.
“We live in a time when mass violence is becoming more frequent
,” he insisted.
“We need this option to save lives, should this kind of tragedy occur in our city.”
San Francisco police currently have several robots they can control remotely that are used when officers need to keep their distance before securing a location, such as during a bomb threat situation.
The new measure would allow these robots to be used to place an
“explosive charge”
capable of
“incapacitating or disorienting an armed or dangerous violent suspect who threatens to take lives”
, according to the police.