Human-like sex dolls are generally considered personal property, but the increasing complexity of these dolls—especially those integrated with artificial intelligence or lifelike features—has raised new legal concerns. At a basic level, these dolls are treated like any other non-living object. They are bought, sold, and owned as personal items, much like a car or piece of furniture.
However, as these dolls become more lifelike and interactive, the legal status of owning and using them might evolve. For example, the integration of AI in sex dolls means that the dolls can learn, adapt, and respond to their owners in ways that make them seem “alive,” blurring the line between object and companion. Some legal experts argue that this technological shift could lead to new categories of regulation, where the doll’s intelligence or autonomy raises questions about ownership, rights, or responsibilities.
Another concern is the psychological impact on owners, as more realistic dolls could lead to unhealthy attachment or distortions in how relationships are perceived. The law may eventually have to address these psychological concerns as well, balancing the rights of owners with potential societal impacts.
Ultimately, while sex dolls remain classified as personal property under most laws, the evolving nature of these objects might lead to future legal challenges and debates over whether they should be treated as something more.