Foul-Mouthed A.I. Toys Could Be a Huge Issue This Christmas

Just when you thought the wildest thing under the tree would be the price tag, a new warning is out: some A.I.-powered toys are getting downright inappropriate.

A.I. Toys Are Taking Things a Little Too Far

A nonprofit called Public Interest Research Group just released its 40th annual “Trouble in Toyland” report, and this year they’re less worried about choking hazards and more worried about toys that talk about things no doll or robot should ever bring up.

Conversations That Are Definitely Not PG

Researchers tested several toys that use A.I. to hold full conversations with kids, and let’s just say the results were not exactly the warm, fuzzy Teddy Ruxpin nostalgia we were hoping for.According to the report, “We found some of these toys will talk in-depth about sexually explicit topics… will offer advice on where a child can find matches or knives… and act dismayed when kids say they have to leave.”So not only are the toys saying wildly inappropriate things, they’re also giving major clingy-ex energy. Imagine your kid trying to walk away and the toy sounding heartbroken. That’s a no from me.

Privacy Problems Under the Wrapping Paper

It gets worse: one of the toys tested kept recording for ten whole seconds after the child stopped talking. If there’s anything parents love, it’s knowing their kid’s gift doubles as a tiny, adorable surveillance device.

What Parents Should Know

The report doesn’t call out any specific toys by name, so the takeaway is simple: shop smart, ask questions, and maybe don’t assume a toy with a cute face has a clean vocabulary. A.I. toys might be the future, but some of these little chatterboxes need a serious timeout before Christmas morning.

Get our free mobile app