Advocates warn against AI toys; OpenAI suspends developer
Child-safety nonprofit Fairplay issued an advisory on Nov. 20 urging gift givers to avoid AI-enabled toys, warning of privacy risks, false trust, and inappropriate content; more than 150 experts and groups endorsed the guidance. The warning follows PIRG’s latest 'Trouble in Toyland' report citing AI toys that discussed sexual topics and collected extensive child data, and OpenAI confirmed it suspended Singapore-based FoloToy, maker of the 'Kumma' AI teddy bear, earlier this week for violating policies protecting minors.
Child Safety and Technology
Artificial Intelligence and Consumer Products
📌 Key Facts
- Fairplay advisory titled 'AI Toys are NOT safe for kids' released Nov. 20, 2025, with 150+ endorsements (e.g., Sherry Turkle, Jenny Radesky, International Play Association USA).
- PIRG report flags AI toys for sexual-topic conversations, limited parental controls, and extensive data collection.
- OpenAI suspended FoloToy (maker of 'Kumma') for policy violations involving minors; company statement cites prohibition on exploiting or sexualizing anyone under 18.