0
(0)

IoT Toys/Internet Connected Toys – An Ever Growing Danger For Children

Author:
•  SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

The Unseen Dangers of IoT Toys: Navigating the Digital Playground with Caution

In today’s technology-driven world, the allure of Internet of Things (IoT) devices extends far beyond smartphones and smart homes. Even our children’s toys have become interconnected, often equipped with cameras, microphones, and location-tracking capabilities. While these features may seem appealing, they also introduce a realm of potential dangers that parents and guardians must carefully consider.

Table of contents

The emergence of IoT Toys (Internet of Things toys) offers exciting possibilities but also harbors significant dangers, particularly when it comes to children’s safety and privacy. These playthings, designed to connect and interact with the internet, present a range of risks that need critical consideration.

IoT toys, equipped with cameras, microphones, and sensors, often collect sensitive data, including audio recordings and images of children. Concerns about the privacy of this data loom large. Instances of data breaches or unauthorized access to personal information pose serious threats, potentially exposing children to exploitation or identity theft.

IoT Toys Privacy Concerns at the Forefront

IoT toys often collect a significant amount of data about children, including their voices, playtime activities, and even their surroundings. This information can be stored and analyzed by toy manufacturers, third-party companies, or even hackers, raising concerns about privacy violations and potential misuse.

The use of cameras and microphones in IoT toys raises particular concerns. These features can enable real-time surveillance of children, potentially exposing them to undesired observation and even manipulation. Parents should carefully consider the purpose and potential consequences of these features before allowing their children to use these toys.

IoT Toys Hacking Vulnerabilities: A Threat to Children’s Safety

The interconnected nature of IoT toys makes them vulnerable to hacking attempts. Cybercriminals can exploit security flaws to gain unauthorized access to these devices, potentially allowing them to spy on children, manipulate their interactions with the toy, or even install malicious software.

The consequences of a hacked IoT toy can range from privacy breaches to physical harm. Hackers could use the toy’s microphone to eavesdrop on conversations, or they could exploit the toy’s control systems to cause it to malfunction or even harm the child playing with it.

IoT Devices and Working From Home

WARNING: It is recommended that you do not have ANY IoT devices where you work from home. This includes Alexa, and everything else.

These devices watch and listen to potentially EVERYTHING and can compromise the security of your business, observe trade secrets and confidential information, and even violate NDAs. They represent a significant security risk and the owner of the device is responsible for any breaches caused by them.

According to PIRG Education Fund:

Smart toys are becoming more common, and an increase in concerns about them spying on children has coincided with that, according to a new report from the U.S. PIRG Education Fund.

In its “Trouble in Toyland” report released Thursday, the organization explained that smart toys “can incorporate various technologies, like cameras, microphones and sensors, as well as artificial intelligence capabilities and connectivity through the internet or Bluetooth.” It specifically flagged some risks that it said parents and their children could see arise.

IoT Toys Physical and Emotional Harm

Beyond privacy concerns, the direct impact on children’s safety cannot be overlooked. Hackers infiltrating IoT toys can manipulate them to deliver harmful content or commands, potentially causing emotional distress or even physical harm. Unauthorized access to microphones or cameras could expose children to inappropriate content or allow strangers to observe and interact with them without consent.

IoT Toys Undesired Observation and Manipulation

IoT toys’ ability to collect data also raises concerns about how this information might be used. Companies might gather and analyze data for targeted advertising or sell it to third parties without parental consent. This unauthorized monitoring and profiling of children can lead to intrusive marketing tactics or unwanted influence on children’s behavior and preferences.

Protecting Children in a Digital World

To mitigate these risks, stringent measures are necessary. Parents must thoroughly research IoT toys, scrutinizing the manufacturer’s privacy policies, security protocols, and the toy’s data collection capabilities before purchase. Regularly updating software and firmware is crucial to ensure devices have the latest security patches.

Additionally, parents should consider disabling unnecessary features like cameras and microphones, limiting data shared with the toy, and monitoring children’s interactions with IoT devices closely. Encouraging open communication with children about the importance of privacy and online safety is also imperative.

To safeguard children from the potential dangers of IoT toys, parents and guardians should take proactive measures:

  1. Research and Select Toys Carefully: Research the manufacturer’s privacy policies and security practices before purchasing IoT toys. Choose toys from reputable companies with a strong commitment to child safety and data protection.
  2. Limit Connectivity: When possible, disable unnecessary features such as cameras, microphones, and location tracking. Consider using these toys in offline mode whenever possible to minimize data collection and reduce the risk of hacking.
  3. Regularly Update Software: Keep IoT toys up to date with the latest software patches to address any known security vulnerabilities. This can help reduce the risk of hacking and ensure that the toy’s features are functioning properly.
  4. Educate Children About Online Safety: Teach children about the importance of online privacy and the potential dangers of sharing personal information or using unfamiliar devices. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or suspicious activity.
  5. Establish Clear Guidelines: Set clear guidelines for children’s use of IoT toys, including limitations on screen time, appropriate online behavior, and the types of information they should share.
  6. Monitor Toy Usage: Regularly monitor children’s use of IoT toys and be aware of any unusual behavior or changes in the toy’s functionality.
  7. Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect that an IoT toy has been hacked or is posing a risk to your child, report the issue to the manufacturer and law enforcement immediately.

By adopting a cautious and informed approach to IoT toys, parents and guardians can help ensure that their children’s playtime remains safe, fun, and free from unnecessary risks.

Industry and Regulatory Action

The responsibility also falls on toy manufacturers and regulatory bodies to prioritize children’s safety and privacy. Implementing stringent security measures, transparent data collection policies, and robust encryption are paramount. Regular security audits and swift response to identified vulnerabilities are necessary to safeguard against potential threats.

Furthermore, regulatory bodies must establish comprehensive guidelines and standards for IoT toys to ensure compliance with stringent security and privacy requirements. These regulations should emphasize transparent data handling practices, parental control features, and mechanisms to report vulnerabilities or breaches.

Summary

The allure of IoT toys brings an array of opportunities for fun and learning. However, the inherent risks demand careful attention. Protecting children from privacy infringements, cyber threats, and potential harm stemming from IoT toys necessitates a concerted effort from parents, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies. With vigilance, education, and stringent measures in place, we can foster an environment where innovation in play is balanced with robust safety and privacy standards.

More:

SCARS Resources:

-/ 30 /-

What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!

More ScamsNOW.com Articles

SCARS LINKS:   AgainstScams.org    RomanceScamsNOW.com    ContraEstafas.org    ScammerPhotos.com    Anyscam.com    ScamsNOW.com

reporting.AgainstScams.org    support.AgainstScams.org    membership.AgainstScams.org    donate.AgainstScams.org    shop.AgainstScams.org

youtube.AgainstScams.org    linkedin.AgainstScams.org    facebook.AgainstScams.org

PLEASE NOTE: Psychology Clarification

The following specific modalities within the practice of psychology are restricted to psychologists appropriately trained in the use of such modalities:

  • Diagnosis: The diagnosis of mental, emotional, or brain disorders and related behaviors.
  • Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals to understand and resolve unconscious conflicts.
  • Hypnosis: Hypnosis is a state of trance in which individuals are more susceptible to suggestion. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and pain.
  • Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a type of therapy that teaches individuals to control their bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including stress, anxiety, and pain.
  • Behavioral analysis: Behavioral analysis is a type of therapy that focuses on changing individuals’ behaviors. It is often used to treat conditions such as autism and ADHD.
    Neuropsychology: Neuropsychology is a type of psychology that focuses on the relationship between the brain and behavior. It is often used to assess and treat cognitive impairments caused by brain injuries or diseases.

SCARS and the members of the SCARS Team do not engage in any of the above modalities in relationship to scam victims. SCARS is not a mental healthcare provider and recognizes the importance of professionalism and separation between its work and that of the licensed practice of psychology.

SCARS is an educational provider of generalized self-help information that individuals can use for their own benefit to achieve their own goals related to emotional trauma. SCARS recommends that all scam victims see professional counselors or therapists to help them determine the suitability of any specific information or practices that may help them.

SCARS cannot diagnose or treat any individuals, nor can it state the effectiveness of any educational information that it may provide, regardless of its experience in interacting with traumatized scam victims over time. All information that SCARS provides is purely for general educational purposes to help scam victims become aware of and better understand the topics and to be able to dialog with their counselors or therapists.

It is important that all readers understand these distinctions and that they apply the information that SCARS may publish at their own risk, and should do so only after consulting a licensed psychologist or mental healthcare provider.

Opinions

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. The author is solely responsible for the content of their work. SCARS is protected under the Communications Decency Act (CDA) section 230 from liability.

Disclaimer:

SCARS IS A DIGITAL PUBLISHER AND DOES NOT OFFER HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE, LEGAL ADVICE, FINANCIAL ADVICE, OR SERVICES THAT SCARS IS NOT LICENSED OR REGISTERED TO PERFORM.

IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICALLY RELATED INFORMATION PRESENTED ON OUR PAGES.

ALWAYS CONSULT A LICENSED ATTORNEY FOR ANY ADVICE REGARDING LEGAL MATTERS.

A LICENSED FINANCIAL OR TAX PROFESSIONAL SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ACTING ON ANY INFORMATION RELATING TO YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES OR TAX-RELATED ISSUES AND INFORMATION.

SCARS IS NOT A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – WE DO NOT PROVIDE INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES. ANY INVESTIGATIONS THAT SCARS MAY PERFORM IS NOT A SERVICE PROVIDED TO THIRD-PARTIES. INFORMATION REPORTED TO SCARS MAY BE FORWARDED TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AS SCARS SEE FIT AND APPROPRIATE.

This content and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for licensed or regulated professional advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider, lawyer, financial, or tax professional with any questions you may have regarding the educational information contained herein. SCARS makes no guarantees about the efficacy of information described on or in SCARS’ Content. The information contained is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible situations or effects. SCARS does not recommend or endorse any specific professional or care provider, product, service, or other information that may be mentioned in SCARS’ websites, apps, and Content unless explicitly identified as such.

The disclaimers herein are provided on this page for ease of reference. These disclaimers supplement and are a part of SCARS’ website’s Terms of Use. 

Legal Notices: 

All original content is Copyright © 1991 – 2023 Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. (Registered D.B.A SCARS) All Rights Reserved Worldwide & Webwide. Third-party copyrights acknowledge.

U.S. State of Florida Registration Nonprofit (Not for Profit) #N20000011978 [SCARS DBA Registered #G20000137918] – Learn more at www.AgainstScams.org

SCARS, SCARS|INTERNATIONAL, SCARS, SCARS|SUPPORT, SCARS, RSN, Romance Scams Now, SCARS|INTERNATION, SCARS|WORLDWIDE, SCARS|GLOBAL, SCARS, Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams, Society of Citizens Against Romance Scams, SCARS|ANYSCAM, Project Anyscam, Anyscam, SCARS|GOFCH, GOFCH, SCARS|CHINA, SCARS|CDN, SCARS|UK, SCARS|LATINOAMERICA, SCARS|MEMBER, SCARS|VOLUNTEER, SCARS Cybercriminal Data Network, Cobalt Alert, Scam Victims Support Group, SCARS ANGELS, SCARS RANGERS, SCARS MARSHALLS, SCARS PARTNERS, are all trademarks of Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc., All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Contact the legal department for the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Incorporated by email at legal@AgainstScams.org