Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

Explained in plain English

Can a robot commit a crime?

Legally, robots can't commit crimes themselves as they lack intent. The focus is usually on the human owner or operator, who is held responsible for the robot's actions. In this Cologne case, police are investigating the 16-year-old owner and his companion for sexual harassment, suggesting they believe the humans controlled the robot.

Stories that explain this

Robot seized after girl, 16, harassed outside Cologne restaurant

Questions this opens up

Who is responsible for AI crimes? Are there laws for robot behaviour? What is sexual harassment?

Related explainers

What crime did the robot commit? How common are public robots? What if a robot turns violent? What if the robot is autonomous? Who pays for robot damage? Who regulates robot safety? Who is responsible for robot actions? What are robot 'kill switches'?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under R →