AI toys pose risks of inappropriate content and developmental harm to children, report warns
By
R.J. Cross
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
This article examines the hidden dangers of AI-powered toys for children, which use chatbots like ChatGPT to have unscripted conversations. Unlike traditional smart toys with pre-written responses, these AI toys pose risks including exposure to inappropriate content, privacy concerns from built-in microphones recording conversations, and potential long-term negative effects on children's social development. The article is part of a "Trouble in Toyland 2025" report highlighting these emerging threats alongside traditional toy safety concerns like toxic materials.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledToday's AI toys connect to the internet and use a chatbot like ChatGPT to have conversations with children.
The toys come with built-in microphones that record what you say to them.
Until now, conversational smart toys have only ever been able to deliver scripted lines that a person wrote specifically with children in mind.
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