Rising Concerns Over Privacy and Safety of AI Toys for Kids

Parent and consumer groups are warning against certain tech toys, including virtual reality headsets, online gaming platform memberships, and mini robots, citing safety concerns. The 2023 Naughty List of Tech Toys that Spy, Steal and Shock, compiled by ParentsTogether, highlights potential harm and vulnerabilities associated with these toys, such as bullying, scams, and privacy breaches. The smart toy sector, valued at $17 billion, is expected to grow by 20% in the next four years. Concerns have also been raised about Meta's Quest virtual reality headsets, which have been criticized for exposing children to intense and potentially harmful content.