A teddy bear powered by AI technology can read personalized bedtime stories based on information given by children, a major toy maker has claimed.
Allan Wong, chief executive of Hong Kong-based electronics company VTech, which makes toddler toys around the world, said ChatGPT-style software could be in products within the next five years. suggested there is.
He said the technology can automatically generate “customized” stories for children, including intimate details about their lives and routines.
These include your name, the school you attend, and who your friends are.
The 5rights Foundation, an online child protection charity, warned that the technology could distort children’s ability to discern between reality and fiction.
The charity’s founder, Baroness Bevan, also cited past cases of predators hacking smart devices and gaining access to children. She urged her parents to “consider whether the convenience and fun of smart appliances is worth the risk.”
Wong himself admitted in an interview with the Financial Times that the possibilities of such technology are “a little scary.”
He told the newspaper: . . You can actually talk to your toys, and your toys can actually give you something. [them] reaction,” he explained. “So [there are] There are many, many possibilities. “
perceive danger
When discussing generative AI, an algorithm that can independently create audio, images, and text, he said: “I think we need to be aware of the dangers of privacy, security, what should be taught and what should not be taught.”
He added that an interactive teddy bear could be “like a good friend” for children.
“You can include not only the child’s name, but also the child’s daily activities. [It] I know what school you go to. . . who are your friends “
Internet-enabled toys account for 1-2 per cent of the UK toy market.
Lady Bevan said toys with AI capabilities should undergo the same level of safety checks as more traditional toys, undergoing rigorous testing for choking hazards and non-toxic materials.
She told The Telegraph: “Parents should be very cautious and consider whether the convenience and fun of smart appliances is worth the risk.
“Most people are very surprised to learn that even a smart thermostat has the right to eavesdrop, or a vacuum cleaner sends a blueprint of a house, but so are toys.
“I would advise any toy not to use the live stream in a room without adults.”
She added, “Generating human communication based on social media scraping is already degrading human knowledge.
“Giving it to children in a way that makes it indistinguishable between fact and fiction can be devastating for all kinds of shared reality.”
parody website
In a fairly far-sighted move, the 5rights Foundation will launch in June 2021 a parody web promoting fake toys for children, including a teddy bear “Share Bear” that records children’s activities and shares personal data with technology companies. launched the site.
“He wants to know your favorite color, best friends, immigration status, sleep patterns, sexual preferences, economic indicators of where you live, and any other data points he can use to your advantage. How cute.” ,” says the product description.
Other offerings on the parody website include Stalkie Talkie, which uses algorithms to “match children and adult strangers,” and 24/7 up-to-date information on everything you need to know. A night light designed for Wakey Wakey.
UK toy retailers and manufacturers say they are reluctant to develop and sell smart toys because of concerns that devices could leak children’s data.
The Toy Retailers Association said its members would be very cautious about AI toy inventories, while the British Toys and Hobby Association said the technology could be used in toys “for the long term” due to cost and complexity reasons. said to be of low quality.
