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BY NOW, most children will have eagerly unwrapped their Christmas gifts, but experts suggest you might want to keep the receipt for one particular item.
Child safety specialists are now cautioning that a new wave of talking, listening, and “companion” toys could pose unexpected risks for parents.
Child safety experts have raised concerns about certain Wi-Fi-connected toys this ChristmasCredit: Getty
In addition to these warnings, security experts at Online Spy Shop advise families to consider carefully before introducing Wi-Fi-connected toys into their homes, especially those designed to record or respond to a child’s voice.
This caution arises not only from what these toys may teach children but also from the data they collect.
Fairplay, a children’s safety organization, has recently released an “AI Toys Advisory” to caution families against purchasing AI toys this holiday season.
They characterize these toys as chatbots embedded in everyday items like plush toys, dolls, and children's robots. Although they are marketed as safe and beneficial, these toys have not undergone comprehensive study or regulation.
Rachel Franz from Fairplay spoke to BBC News about the rise of AI toys and the privacy issues they introduce to family life.
She explained how these toys can capture sensitive information, stating: “We’ve put together an advisory over the past week that strongly urges families not to buy AI toys, especially now when there has been no research and very limited regulation of AI.”
Rachel highlighted the primary risks: children often confide in these toys about their innermost thoughts and secrets.
Moreover, children tend to take these toys everywhere, including during private moments like bath time or getting dressed. This constant interaction heightens the risk of personal information being recorded.
This concern is especially pertinent given the rising number of reports regarding baby monitors being hacked.
Security experts at Online Spy Shop emphasize that any internet-connected device carries risks if basic protections are not implemented. These toys could make children's personal spaces more susceptible to cyber threats.
Their advice is straightforward: refrain from purchasing Wi-Fi-connected toys until more research and safeguards are established.
For children who have received an AI toy, Rachel advises caution: “There is very little research.”
“While there are benefits for children, staying away from them is a wise first step. However, if families are curious, we encourage them to think twice if any toy is Wi-Fi connected.
“Also, check if it collects data. If you examine the packaging, you can usually see if it is powered by Wi-Fi or artificial intelligence.”
More Parenting Hacks
IF you want to simplify your life as a first-time mother, here are nine hacks you won’t want to overlook.
1. Routine Charts
Create visual charts for daily routines, using pictures and stickers to engage younger children.
2. Meal Planning
Plan meals a week in advance to save time and reduce stress. Involve your children in meal prep to teach them cooking skills.
3. Toy Rotation
Store some toys away and rotate them periodically. This keeps playtime exciting without the need for constant new purchases.
4. DIY Cleaning Solutions
Make child-safe cleaning solutions using vinegar and baking soda. It’s effective and keeps harsh chemicals away from little hands.
5. Time-Out Jar
Create a time-out jar filled with calming activities written on slips of paper. When emotions run high, children can select an activity to help them calm down.
6. Educational Apps
Utilize educational apps and websites to make screen time productive. Look for ones that offer interactive learning in subjects your child is interested in.
7. Command Centre
Establish a family command center with a calendar, key hooks, and a bulletin board. It helps keep everyone organized and aware of daily schedules.
8. Emergency Kit
Maintain a small emergency kit in the car with essentials like snacks, water, first aid supplies, and a change of clothes. It’s a lifesaver for unexpected situations.
9. Label Everything
Use labels for clothes, school supplies, and lunch boxes. It makes tracking belongings easier, especially in shared spaces like schools.
“Those types of features are red flags indicating that a lot of children’s data may be collected here.
“Additionally, the other impacts I mentioned earlier, including data collection, are significant concerns we have.”
Security experts at Online Spy Shop share this cautious perspective. They recommend treating AI toys like any other connected device in the home.
If a toy utilizes Wi-Fi, a microphone, an app, or cloud services, it should be managed with the same care as smart cameras or monitors, ensuring permissions are carefully set and avoiding placement in private areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AI toys?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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