AI Toys for Kids Exposed to Data Risks
Experts warn that many AI toy apps for kids are collecting personal data and tracking users, with 7 out of 10 examined apps found to have third-party trackers. The issue raises concerns about privacy in a post-LLM world, where AI toys are increasingly adopted by families. The EU argues that stricter regulations are needed to protect children's data.
Key points
- Cybernews analyzed 10 Android companion apps for kids' AI/robotic toys and found 7 with third-party trackers.
- The apps requested 'dangerous' permissions, including advertising, profiling, and location tracking, according to Android guidelines.
- Experts warn that AI toys' incorporation of LLM models grants unprecedented access and permissions, exposing users to data harvesting risks.
- The EU argues that stricter regulations are needed to protect children's data in the wake of this investigation.
The rise of AI toys in families has raised concerns about privacy in a post-LLM world. Cybernews recently examined 10 Android companion apps for kids' AI/robotic toys and found that many had excessive permissions at the application level, which could expose them to abuse or data harvesting.
The investigation found that 7 out of the 10 apps had third-party trackers, and all requested permissions classified as 'dangerous' by Android guidelines. This includes advertising, profiling, and location tracking. Experts warn that AI toys' incorporation of LLM models grants unprecedented access and permissions, exposing users to data harvesting risks.
The EU argues that stricter regulations are needed to protect children's data in the wake of this investigation. As AI toys become increasingly popular, security firms are ringing the alarm about the potential consequences for privacy.
Sources
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