by Matt Agorist, The Free Thought Project:

Without the concerted effort of concerned individuals pressuring government officials, they would have gotten killer robots

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (TAC) – Under intense pressure from grassroots activists, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors reversed course and banned killer robots in the city. The San Francisco Police Department’s plan to arm robots came to light under a police militarization transparency law passed last year.

The SFPD owns 12 functioning robots used primarily for bomb disposal and reconnaissance in dangerous situations. The department acquired the robots between 2011 and 2017. According to an AP report, some of the robots were purchased with federal funds.