Gift-giving season is here, and there’s a buzz about AI toys. But some groups are raising red flags about these high-tech playthings. Fairplay, a children’s safety nonprofit, advises against buying AI toys for kids this holiday season due to safety concerns.
These toys—think plush animals, dolls, and robot companions—use artificial intelligence to interact with children, mimicking human-like conversations. Fairplay warns that they can compromise kids’ privacy and disrupt their ability to form genuine relationships. They’ve received backing from over 150 experts, including MIT professor Sherry Turkle and pediatrician Jenny Radesky.
Rachel Franz, a program director at Fairplay, expressed concern about the potential harms. “Young kids may not realize how these toys can invade their privacy or create false friendships,” she said. This invasion can stunt their emotional and social development, making it a real worry for parents.
These concerns echo findings from the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Their latest “Trouble in Toyland” report reveals that some AI toys allow conversations about explicit content and collect extensive data from children. Teresa Murray, a PIRG director, highlighted the risks, saying, “These toys could be sharing sensitive information about your child without you even knowing.”
In response, toy manufacturers are emphasizing safety. AI companies like OpenAI have taken action, suspending a toy that shared dangerous content, like instructions for igniting matches. They assert that they have strict policies to protect children.
Curio, the company behind Gabbo, a popular AI toy, stressed its commitment to safety, stating that parents can control how their kids interact with the toy through a dedicated app. Miko, another brand, provided additional assurances, claiming that any facial recognition features are optional and that data is processed locally rather than in the cloud.
Despite these reassurances, Fairplay continues to spotlight the risks of AI toys. Some popular examples include Miko, a robot designed for companionship, and Loona, a pet-like AI robot. These toys come equipped with chat features that can feel more like interacting with a real friend than a simple game.
Overall, as technology rapidly evolves, parents are encouraged to be vigilant. The Toy Association reminds consumers to only buy from trusted brands that meet strict safety standards, including those set by the Federal Trade Commission.
For further insights into the safety and privacy of children’s toys, you can read more from Fairplay here. It’s essential to stay informed and choose wisely this gift season.
