Experts in Canada have warned against buying toys for children that use artificial intelligence. These toys, which use artificial intelligence, can talk and interact like a friend. Although manufacturers claim that these toys are entertaining and educational, experts say that they may be harmful to children's creativity.
According to child psychologist Dr. Nicole Racine, young children's brains are absorbing too much information. Therefore, AI toys may not be the best for their development. Psychiatrist Dr. Daniela Lobo also says that children need to learn to manage conflicts, but AI toys do not teach that. The US organization 'Fairplay' has also warned about these toys.
The development of AI toys has progressed faster than safety regulations. Therefore, these are not adequately regulated. Some companies claim that they comply with privacy laws and do not collect and store sensitive personal information. However, experts are concerned about whether these toys collect personal data from children and whether it affects the privacy of families. In this context, the Canadian Toy Association advises to buy toys only from trusted brands that prioritize safety. The federal government is monitoring how AI is used in toys and other products. Health Canada is responsible for ensuring the safety of toys. But they have not yet commented on AI toys.