Experts warns AI toy apps for kids are tracking users and collecting personal data (www.techradar.com)

A recent investigation by Cybernews has raised alarms regarding the privacy implications of AI toy apps designed for children. Analyzing ten different Android companion apps for popular robotic toys, researchers found that half of the declared permissions were classified as dangerous by Android guidelines. The study uncovered the presence of third-party trackers in seven of the ten apps, including advertising and profiling trackers, which raises concerns about unauthorized data collection in a landscape where AI toys increasingly integrate powerful language models that allow interactive engagement with users. This issue is particularly significant for the AI/ML community and child safety advocates, as the apps require sensitive permissions—such as microphone and camera access—that go beyond basic functionality. With many parents often granting permissions without fully understanding the implications, there’s a pressing need for developers to adhere to data minimization principles and for parents to exercise greater control over the technology their children use. As regulatory measures become stricter, this investigation highlights a critical intersection of technology, ethics, and child privacy, underscoring the responsibility on both developers and parents to safeguard children's data in a rapidly evolving digital environment.