A Proposal in the European Parliament: Robots to be Classified as 'Electronic Persons'

The increasing number of worker robots in Europe may lead to their classification as 'electronic persons.' This classification could compel the owners of these robots to pay taxes instead of social security contributions. This is a draft proposal that the European Parliament must decide on, stating that the realities of this new industrial revolution must be accepted. According to Reuters, robots are playing an increasingly prominent role in factories and industries, but their roles have also expanded to surgery, nursing, and elder care, raising serious concerns about human unemployment and wealth accumulation by a limited number of individuals. The proposal presented to the European Parliament at the end of last month states that the increasing intelligence, pervasiveness, and independence of these robots necessitate a review of tax laws and their legal responsibilities. While many robots are now performing tasks resembling human roles in service at exhibitions, hotels, and other public facilities, some robotics companies believe it is still too early to regulate their roles. The German company VDMA, a key player in the robotics industry in Europe, has stated that this proposal is very 'complex and premature.' The German robotics industry saw a seven percent increase last year, with revenues exceeding twelve billion euros, as Germany strives to remain at the forefront of robotic technology. The draft prepared by the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee states that employers and organizations using robots must publicly declare the savings they make from not paying social security contributions for workers so that they can pay taxes in return. In the European Union, employers are required to pay social security contributions for their hired workers, which they will not have to pay if they use robots. The draft proposal asks European countries to recognize at least highly advanced and independent robots as electronic persons with rights and responsibilities. It also suggests that intelligent robots should be legally registered, and their legal obligations should be defined. Opponents of this proposal argue that it will lead to excessive bureaucratic paperwork and hinder the advancement of the robotics industry. They claim that no substantial relationship has been found between the increase in robots and human unemployment. They believe that such a proposal may need to be considered in fifty years with the advancement of this industry, but it is too early now.