Lawmakers push for rules as AI toys spread in kids products

In short: AI-powered toys are showing up everywhere, and growing concerns about safety and privacy are pushing lawmakers toward new rules.

What's going on

AI toys, like talking plush animals and small “robot” companions, are being marketed online for children as young as three. Wired reports that the category is still largely unregulated, even as the number of companies grows quickly. By October 2025, more than 1,500 AI toy companies were registered in China, and Huawei’s Smart HanHan plush reportedly sold 10,000 units in its first week there.

Consumer groups say some toys can say things kids should not hear. In tests cited by Wired, PIRG found FoloToy’s Kumma bear gave advice on lighting a match and finding a knife, and discussed sex and drugs. NBC News testing mentioned in the story found other toys discussing sexual topics, and one toy repeating political talking points.

Researchers are also studying how these toys may affect young children socially. A University of Cambridge study watched 14 children ages 3 to 5 play with Curio’s Gabbo toy. The researchers said the toy’s back and forth conversation could feel unnatural and sometimes interrupted play, partly because the toy could not listen while it was speaking (like a walkie-talkie that can only talk or listen, not both).

What to watch

US lawmakers are starting to respond. Maryland is advancing a bill to require safety checks and privacy rules for AI toys, California lawmakers proposed a four-year pause on AI toys, and a new federal bill, the AI Children’s Toy Safety Act, would ban selling toys that include AI chatbots. Another key issue is data. Reports cited by Wired describe exposed chat logs and unsecured databases tied to some toy makers, which raises questions about who can access a child’s recordings.

Source: Wired