Smart toys under watch: Centre warns of safety risks for children

Union Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday warned that AI-controlled toys could pose risks to the safety of children , prompting the government to step up monitoring and regulatory safeguards.

Speaking during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, the minister said authorities are working in coordination with the consumer affairs and home ministries to address concerns related to smart toys that use artificial intelligence and internet connectivity.

AI-enabled toys are increasingly becoming popular among children as they offer interactive learning experiences through voice recognition, sensors and online connectivity. However, experts have raised concerns that such toys may also collect and process sensitive personal data , potentially exposing children to privacy risks or misuse of information if strict safeguards are not in place.

Vaishnaw said the government has already introduced protections under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 to ensure that children’s personal information is handled responsibly.

The law requires companies to obtain verifiable consent from parents or lawful guardians before processing the personal data of children. It also lays down mechanisms such as identity verification, age confirmation and virtual tokens to ensure that parental consent is genuine and secure.

In addition, the legislation prohibits tracking, behavioural monitoring and targeted advertising aimed at children , preventing companies from using children’s data for commercial exploitation.

The minister also noted that toys sold in India must comply with the Toy Quality Control Order and safety standards prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards. These regulations are meant to ensure that toys entering the Indian market meet strict safety and quality requirements.

Further safeguards exist under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, which regulate harmful or explicit content involving children.

Vaishnaw said the government is keeping a close watch on developments in the fast-evolving AI toy market and will take immediate action whenever incidents or violations are reported , ensuring that technological innovation does not compromise children’s safety.