Advocacy organizations caution against using AI toys over the holiday season

Due to tests by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, which revealed concerns such as exposure to unsuitable content, invasion of privacy, and developmental harm, consumer watchdog Fairplay advised parents to avoid AI toys this holiday season. The specifics: PIRG discovered that FoloToy's "Kumma" bear voluntarily talked about explicit subjects and gave directions on how to get potentially harmful objects like knives and matches. FoloToy's API access was terminated by OpenAI last month due to rules violations; the company is currently "conducting an internal safety audit" and removing goods. Additionally, the investigation discovered that AI toys were using always-on microphones to capture voices and gather personal information, some of which they shared with outside businesses. Additionally, they caution about how AI toys' addictive designs and engaging elements may affect kids' social development. AI and minors have been a delicate subject throughout 2025, and despite the absence of appropriate laws, safety measures, research, or kid-friendly models, AI toys are currently being sold. AI has enormous potential for individualized education, but its application with kids must be cautious and gradual rather than hurried to the shelves.