This is a social phenomenon with other autonomous urban robots already; cars aren't the first. I don't have links handy right now but I know you see security robots being pushed over, or food delivery bots boxed into places. Perhaps for various similar reasons: They're recording, they're annoying, they're slow, they're in the way, etc...
I don't know how much the "we don't consent to being on camera" argument holds water, since there's already lots of private cameras monitoring public urban places and roads. Maybe the fact that the cameras are up close and in your face is valid, though.
I don't condone mischief, but I also understand being annoyed. IMO, all vehicles on public roads should have a driver for now. But I welcome our autonomous-driving future.
I think there’s probably some game theory at play. I can imagine the mindset of the vandals mirroring a train of thought that I share somewhat:
1. This autonomous robot is not doing anything for me, and is helping someone else realize their capitalistic aspirations.
2. By vandalizing the robot, a victimless crime, I can do my part to just slightly close the gap between I, one who has gotten the short end of the economic stick, and some corporation/ceo who is on the other end of the economic spectrum, profiteering.
Thus slightly narrowing the gap between the haves and have nots, which for most individuals isn’t realizable in any other way
IANAL, but if you are recorded without consent, the video evidence may not be presentable in court. In CA, and about 15 other states, you need two-party consent for the evidence to be admissible. I remember talking about it to a former DA who told me this, so I believe them.
Of course, you can’t be expected to have privacy in places like public parks according to CA law, so I’m not sure where the law stands on that.
I don't know how much the "we don't consent to being on camera" argument holds water, since there's already lots of private cameras monitoring public urban places and roads. Maybe the fact that the cameras are up close and in your face is valid, though.
I don't condone mischief, but I also understand being annoyed. IMO, all vehicles on public roads should have a driver for now. But I welcome our autonomous-driving future.