Talking AI toys can feel like friendly pets. They listen, answer questions, and tell stories. Here, AI means a computer program that makes new answers. These toys can be fun, but they are not always safe. (institute.commonsensemedia.org)
The biggest problem is privacy. Privacy means keeping personal information away from other people. A toy may record a child’s voice and send it online. The company may keep the talk or use it to improve AI. Recent safety reviews also found weak parent controls and bad answers. (nationwidechildrens.org)
For example, researchers found one toy’s chat records open online. People with a normal email account could reach many records. The records included talks between children and their soft toys. This shows why a cute face does not promise safety. (wired.com)
Before buying, adults should read the privacy rules. They should ask, “What does the toy record?” They should also ask where the information goes. Can parents delete it? Children should use the toy with an adult nearby. They should never share names, schools, addresses, or family secrets. For serious worries, they should talk to a trusted person. A talking toy can be a playmate, but not a real friend. (nationwidechildrens.org)