Generative AI is contributing to a surge in non-consensual intimate images and child sexual abuse materials. Social media algorithms worsen online harassment and the doxxing of sexual assault survivors. the emergence of humanoid robots is creating new risks in the physical world for girls and women.
German authorities are investigating two teenage boys following accusations that they used a walking robot to grope and harass a 16-year-old girl in a public setting. Police in Cologne seized the robot on October 13 after receiving reports of the incident over the weekend. Emergency services were also dispatched to the location, as reported by the Associated Press.
While the authorities have not yet charged the boys with any crime, they are currently regarded as suspects in the case.
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The alleged offenders are two teenagers aged 16 and 19. Witnesses reported that they were seen controlling a 4-foot-tall robot, dressed in human clothing and jewelry, in close proximity. Video footage reportedly shows the robot being navigated through busy streets, deliberately colliding with women as part of what appears to be a livestream event, with the robot’s antics being used for comedic effect in the clips.
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Investigators are looking into whether the robot was programmed to behave inappropriately or if the actions were controlled in real time. The outcome of this inquiry may affect the type of legal consequences the teens may face in a situation that presents new legal complexities. Cologne authorities indicated to the Associated Press that they have not encountered humanoid robots being utilized for public harassment before this incident.
In recent years, popular livestreamers have faced backlash for monetizing the public harassment of strangers, particularly targeting women and service workers. Many have employed innovative technologies, like Meta’s AI-enabled Ray-Ban glasses, to covertly record interactions for views. Only recently have platforms started to address this troubling viral trend.

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