AI Toys for Kids Raise Concerns Over Privacy and Reliability
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A host of startups are building AI-powered robots and stuffed animals that can have conversations with children using chatbots like ChatGPT. Examples include Miko, Grok, Fawn, and Moxie.
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These toys are marketed as educational tools to help kids learn and emotionally supportive friends to help them process feelings. However, their accuracy is questionable.
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Generative AI models still struggle with factual questions. Some toys incorrectly answer basic math problems in reviews.
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The toys claim to offer privacy protections but experts warn AI is not advanced enough for sensitive tasks like therapy for kids.
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Parents of special needs kids report benefits like improved emotional regulation, but privacy risks around cameras and data collection in toys like Moxie also worry some.