In the context of human-social robot interaction, it has been proventhat an affable design and the ability to exhibit emotional andsocial skills are central to fostering acceptance and more efficientsystem performance. Nevertheless, these features may result inmanipulative dynamics, able to impact the psychological sphere ofthe users, affecting their ability to make decisions and to exercisefree, conscious will. This highlights the need to identify a legalframework that balances the interests at stake. To this end, theprinciple of human dignity is proposed here as a criterion to ensure(i) the protection of users’ fundamental rights, and (ii) an effectiveand truly human-friendly technological development