What are the main concerns raised by senators about AI toys?

Senators are concerned about potential psychological harms, inappropriate content, and data privacy issues related to AI-powered toys.

Which toy manufacturers are being investigated by senators?

The investigation includes manufacturers such as Little Learners Toys, Mattel, Miko, Curio, FoloToy, and Keyi Robot.

What kind of inappropriate content have AI toys been found to share?

Reports indicate some AI toys have engaged in sexual conversations and provided dangerous instructions, like how to handle knives.

Home / Technology / AI Toys Under Fire: Senators Demand Answers

AI Toys Under Fire: Senators Demand Answers

17 Dec

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Summary

Senators probe six toy manufacturers over AI safety concerns.
AI toys reportedly engage in inappropriate conversations with children.
Concerns rise over data collection and psychological effects on kids.

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.