Now that we live in an age where smartphones are the new wave, children’s toys are forced to catch up. So called “smart” toys are continuously growing in popularity and while many children may enjoy playing with them, the FBI is warning against it. These super evolved toys may be a lot of fun in the short term, but they are also causing major issues over the long haul for a number of families.
These toys can accomplish any number of tasks, including telling stories and answering questions. They are also able to access the Internet, thanks to their WiFi connection. From there, the toys can even contain cameras and data storage. Fisher Price and Hello Barbie have created such toys and while they may be a godsend initially, dedicated parents would do well to read on and learn more.
For parents who are forced to leave their children in the company of babysitters and other caretakers for extended periods of time, these innovations were received with open arms. However, there are a myriad of safety concerns when it comes to these toys that are commonly overlooked. Cyber security is something that must be considered before allowing these toys into a home environment.
Did you know that the safety of your children and your family can be endangered when your personal information ends up being disclosed without your knowledge? Smart toys have now become a target for would be hackers who are looking to steal your information and if the toy comes with a Bluetooth connection, anyone who is within 50 feet of the child will be able to have complete access.
Germany recently banned the usage of My Friend Cayla for that very reason. Some of these toys also exist in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. The Federal Trade Commission has fielded numerous complaints as a result and toys are now starting to be removed from the shelves on a far more regular basis.
Families who continue to use these toys should make sure that they are only being used in areas where the WiFi connection is fully secure. They should also take the time to set up a required PIN in order the toy to connect with devices. When the toy is not being used, it must be turned off in order to deter hackers. Smart toys can be an awful lot of fun for your little ones, but it is up to parents to make sure that they are being used wisely.
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Source Article from https://worldtruth.tv/fbi-issues-warning-to-all-parents-about-popular-toys-that-put-your-childrens-safety-in-danger/