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Dec.2024 26
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Kids Smart Toys Also Need to Pay Attention to Privacy and Security

Introduction
Learn why privacy and security are crucial for smart toys. Explore the risks associated with data collection, hacking vulnerabilities, and how companies like Cheertone prioritize children's privacy in their smart toys.
Details
As technology becomes an integral part of kids lives, smart toys, from interactive dolls to AI-powered companions, have captured the imagination of kids and parents alike. Smart toys are much like other smart devices in that they are interactive. Kids can ask them questions and they respond, a bit like ChatGPT.

These toys promise to enhance learning and entertainment, offering features like voice recognition, Wi-Fi connectivity, and even facial recognition. However, as these toys become increasingly smart, they also raise serious concerns about privacy and security. Recent reports suggest that the risks associated with these devices are multiple consumer advocacy groups have highlighted the privacy risks of smart toys.

What are the risks of smart toys?

Like smart devices, many smart toys collect data. When children ask questions to the device, the device collects and stores this information. These devices can collect video and audio data.

According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), toys that contain Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cameras, and microphones are particularly vulnerable to hacking. This could allow unauthorized individuals to eavesdrop on children or even interact with them through the toy. Jenn Engstrom, state director of CALPRIG, warns that certain toys, such as the Amazmic Kids Microphone and Cognitoys' Toy Dino, collect a staggering amount of data.
Cognitoys DinoAmazmic Microphone
Cognitoys Dino & Amazmic Microphone
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has also highlighted the vulnerability of the smart toy market. Companies such as Amazon and Microsoft have come under scrutiny for violating the kids Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which regulates the collection of data.

A prominent example is the AI-powered robot Moxie, which is advertised as a companion for children. While encouraging children to engage in educational activities, it also records and stores video and voice data. 

Privacy concerns surrounding Moxie Similarly, toys like theseThe market for smart toys is growing rapidly. The global smart toy market is expected to expand to $16.6 billion in 2023 alone, up from $14 billion in 2022. 

However, this growth is accompanied by a lack of consistent regulation, with experts calling for more transparency. Currently, many toys are not clearly regulated.
Moxie AI Companion
Moxie AI Companion
In light of these growing concerns, experts urge parents to take a proactive approach before purchasing smart toys. They recommend carefully reading the privacy policies of these toys to understand the type of data being collected and ensuring that toy manufacturers adhere to strict security protocols.

Cheertone adheres to the principle of transparency and openness in its business operations. We focus on producing smart electronic toys for children aged 3-8, and are committed to bringing the most innocent joy to children. At the same time, we also know that kids personal privacy is also very important. 

We ensure that the personal information security of our users is in our own hands, and all our kids smart toys are not connected to the Internet. Through the recording or photo taking functions of kids toys, the data will be saved on the local SD card, and the data deletion is entirely controlled by the user.

Let children use kids electronic smart toys with full privacy protection, so that they can give full play to their creativity or record the beautiful moments of their daily life with their family without worrying about privacy leakage. 

Cheertone is about to launch a new kids smart watch CT-W26, which can connect to another device of the same model via Bluetooth to transmit voice, emoticons and pictures. It can also realize the function of mutual transmission of messages without going through the network, eliminating the possibility of information leakage from the root and protecting kids privacy and safety.

It is inevitable that technology is increasingly integrated into kids toys, but with it comes the responsibility to ensure that privacy and security are prioritized. As the debate about smart toys and their risks continues, calls for stricter regulation and greater industry accountability are growing louder. Only time will tell whether the toy industry will rise to the challenge and protect the privacy of its youngest consumers.