Those areas where it is illegal, it's usually very controversial - not because people love them mechanical objects, but because they're considered "Morality statues" which freedom-based organizations oppose on principle.

At the very least, though, it's usually called vandalism and "disorderly conduct", which is kind of a catch-all for the police having no other charges to bring.

But then it gets complicated in Anna's case, because unlike a vending machine she has no "owner" to file a vandalism complaint, and because she has the ability to judge whether she allows someone to touch her. This is not a concept far into the future either - Japan has been making robotic nannies and nurses that will protest if they're tampered with or touched inappropriately. Presumably people can be prosecuted for ignoring those protests and doing it anyway. Though anyone would have to be really brave or stupid to try and touch Anna again after she asks them to stop.

By the way, Anna does believe that she has little chance of a relationship with a human for multiple reasons. Among them, that she can't reproduce or grow old with someone. One of those reasons, however, is that so many humans believe it's forbidden, and she may be permanently considered legally off-limits.





Even non-citizens are protected from assault in this country.





That's a totally different case. For Anna, someone can prove they actually built her from scratch. Cressida, that's far more difficult.








Generally if she's given an I.D. and her appearance matches that I.D., it's the state saying that she's officially that age. So it's generally accepted as such. If she walks into a bar with her "I'm 21" I.D., only she appears 8 years old, they probably won't accept that.





Anna is starting to become more outspoken and active gradually. As she does, she may start offering to help.