Do Smart Toys Play Fair with Children’s Data?
Nov 10, 2025
As toys, apps, and platforms quietly log children's behaviour, researchers and regulators are sounding the alarm. This week, we examine the risks and the growing push to design with children’s rights in mind.
One Case Study
Smart toys like Toniebox and Tiptoi collect detailed behavioural data without secure encryption. A study from the University of Basel reveals major gaps in transparency, data protection, and GDPR compliance across 12 popular smart toys.
One Chapter
According to this chapter of the Handbook of Children and Screens, children under 14 can grasp some privacy risks but often struggle to understand who collects their data or how it’s used. It calls for earlier education, child-appropriate design, and clearer transparency in trusted spaces like schools and healthcare.
One Video
LEGO takes a child‑friendly approach to explaining privacy. In this short video, Captain Safety breaks down what personal data is collected, how it’s stored and used, and how kids can stay in control, using simple language and relatable examples.
One Infographic
Source: Student Privacy Compass
One Initiative
This week, 30+ privacy regulators are reviewing websites and apps popular with kids to assess data collection, transparency, and safety measures. The coordinated effort marks 10 years since the last global check on children’s privacy. A public report will follow.
One Cartoon
Source: Cartoonstock
One AI Concern
AI tools that generate fake sexualised images from innocent photos are putting children at serious risk. This report outlines how these “nudify” apps are being used for bullying, blackmail, and abuse — and why outdated laws and platforms are failing to protect young people.
One Article
From Europe to the US, new rules are making it harder for platforms to overlook children’s rights. In this article, we look at laws like the DSA and COPPA 2.0 which now demand stronger safeguards for how kids’ data is collected, shared, and monetised.