Two U.S. senators are urging federal regulators to investigate artificial intelligence-powered toys marketed to children, citing safety, privacy and marketing concerns.
In a March 12 letter to the Federal Trade Commission, Sens. Tammy Duckworth and Kirsten Gillibrand said companies may be making misleading claims about AI-enabled toys and failing to protect children’s data.
The senators said they support the FTC’s decision to conduct a Section 6(b) investigation into generative AI companion products, including internet-connected toys equipped with microphones and speakers.
The letter warns that many toys using large language models are marketed as educational tools or companions for children despite limited evidence supporting those claims.
“A quick search for ‘AI toys’ on Amazon results in over 2,000 hits, with prices ranging from under $10 to $999,” the senators wrote.
They cited testing showing some AI-enabled toys provided instructions on how to find dangerous items in a home or how to start a fire, while another toy engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a user.
The senators also raised concerns about marketing claims that the toys function as teachers, tutors or emotional companions for children.
Researchers have warned that children may develop trust in AI systems that only simulate understanding and could encourage more time spent interacting with technology instead of real-world learning and socializing.
The letter also highlighted privacy concerns, noting that many AI-enabled toys collect data through microphones, cameras or internet connections.
The senators urged the FTC to investigate potential violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and take action against companies engaging in deceptive or unfair practices.
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