Consumer advocacy groups caution against toys with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and have a camera or microphone over hacking risks.
SAN DIEGO — Children’s toys have become significantly more high-tech in recent years — but they might not be safe.
Jenn Engstrom, the State Director for the CALPRIG Education Fund, a consumer advocacy nonprofit, helped release this Trouble in Toyland 2023 report. Engstrom says to be aware of toys with smart devices and to think twice before buying any toy that can connect to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi because they could lack security protocols and enable data collection.
“This is a big concern for toys that can connect to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and have a camera or microphone,” she said. “Some of these can allow a device nearby or allow pairing your phone to a stranger who has a phone and can basically hack into your kid’s toy and use it as a communication device,” said Engstrom.
She says to look out for toys like the Bluetooth Amazmic Kids …