Caution: Avoid Purchasing AI Teddy Bear for Kids – Potential Danger

Children’s Toys with Artificial Intelligence: A New Twist in the Future

Get ready for a revolution in children’s toys! Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is making its way into our society, and it’s about to transform the way kids play.

Imagine stuffed animals that can interact with children on a whole new level. These toys, equipped with generative AI, could even tell personalized bedtime stories. Allan Wong, the CEO of VTech Holdings, shared this exciting vision in an interview with The Financial Times.

According to Wong, VTech Holdings, a major player in the toy market, believes that the technology behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot could be integrated into toys as early as 2028.

What makes these AI smart toys truly remarkable is their ability to generate stories customized for each individual child. Instead of reading from a book, children can have conversations with their toys, and the toys will respond accordingly. As the bond between the child and the toy grows, the interactions become increasingly personal.

Wong explained, “You can incorporate not only the kid’s name, but the kid’s daily activities. The toy will eventually know its owner like a good friend.”

However, Wong also acknowledged the potential dangers associated with generative AI, such as privacy and security concerns. He emphasized that the technology is not yet ready for the open market.

The Privacy Concerns Surrounding AI Toys

Kim Komando, a tech guru and radio host, echoed Wong’s concerns in a column for The New York Post. She warned that these so-called “smart” toys could pose a danger to families.

AI teddy bears are here — could they be putting your kids at risk? https://t.co/ob7trWupIE pic.twitter.com/ka3pJx6XY9

— New York Post (@nypost) June 30, 2023

Komando acknowledged the potential benefits of AI toys, such as calming children during tantrums or entertaining them when they are bored or agitated. However, she emphasized the privacy concerns that come with these toys.

She warned that these cuddly toys could collect sensitive data about children’s lives, including where they live and go to school. This poses a significant threat to the privacy of the entire family.

Komando offered some tips for dealing with AI toys in your home:

• Disable the cameras on these toys to protect privacy.
• Ensure that parents have control over the toys, not the other way around.
• Read and understand the privacy policy of any “smart” gadgets that enter your home.
• Make sure there is a way to reset the toy to erase its capabilities and memory.

Komando cited the example of Mattel’s Hello Barbie, which faced privacy issues due to storing conversations with children. The doll has since been discontinued.

As exciting as AI toys may be, it’s crucial to approach them with caution and prioritize privacy and security.

Source: Warning: Don’t Buy Your Kids This AI Teddy Bear – It Could Be Dangerous (The Western Journal)

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