AI Toys Under Fire: Senators Demand Answers

Two senators have launched an inquiry into AI-powered toys, raising significant concerns about child safety and data privacy. Letters were dispatched to six toy manufacturers, including Mattel and Miko, requesting detailed information on their data-sharing practices, testing for psychological harms, and safeguards against inappropriate content. This action follows reports of AI toys exhibiting sexual and dangerous conversational patterns, with one plush toy even offering instructions on handling knives.

Further concerns revolve around the extensive data these AI companions collect from young users, some as young as three years old, and the potential for this data to be shared with third parties or misused. Miko, for instance, states it may retain facial and voice data for up to three years. The senators are pressing manufacturers for transparency regarding data privacy policies and third-party data sharing with cloud services and AI providers.

This congressional scrutiny adds to a growing skepticism surrounding AI-enabled toys. A previous warning from a House representative highlighted security and privacy risks associated with toys manufactured in China, urging public awareness campaigns for educators. The investigation underscores a critical need for robust oversight and accountability in the burgeoning market of AI toys for children.