The I-Que Intelligent Robot from the US Genesis Toys. (Image: YouTube Screenshot)
Advocacy groups for children and consumers are going to file complaint with national authorities regarding the internet-connected toys manufactured by the US Genesis Toys company that may gather personal data from children, the European Consumer Organization (BEUC) said in a statement on Tuesday.
“BEUC’s Norwegian member, the Norwegian Consumer Council, has looked at the terms and technical features of these connected toys. The findings reveal serious risks to, and a lack of understanding of, children’s rights to privacy and security,” the statement said.
The organization said that basing on the findings it was going to file complaints regarding My Friend Cayla and I-Que Intelligent Robot toys with relevant national authorities as well as with the European Commission, the EU network of national data protection authorities and the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN).
“With simple steps, anyone can take control of the toys, which can talk and record conversations, through a mobile phone. This makes it possible to talk and listen through the toy without having physical access to the toy,” BEUC said explaining its concerns.
The organization also accuses Genesis Toys of failing to warn parents about possible leak of personal information as well as of hidden marketing because My Friend Cayla use phrases referring to those from Disney movies. A number of other advocacy groups such as the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood and Consumers Union are also going to file complaints against these toys. One of them is going to be filed to the US Federal Trade Commission, The Wall Street Journal reported.
© Sputnik
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