AI-powered interactive toys typically combine sensors such as microphones with software that interprets a child’s input and responds. Some process information on the toy; others also rely on a companion app, internet services, or outside providers. What they collect—and where it goes—depends on the specific product, so check the toy’s and app’s privacy details before buying or connecting it.
How an AI-powered toy responds
A common interaction has three stages: a sensor captures input, software interprets it, and the toy produces a response through speech, movement, or another action. A microphone may capture a spoken question; software can then process it and generate a reply. Some products do this on the toy, while others send information through an app to the manufacturer’s service or another provider.
One documented example is Curio Interactive’s Grok, a plush rocket-shaped toy with a voice box. In a 2024 study, researchers reported that initial setup required Wi-Fi through a companion app and that users could then have English-language conversations through its ChatGPT voice interface. This illustrates one possible design, not a standard architecture shared by all AI toys.
What a 2024 Grok test found
Pavliv, Akbari, and Wagner reported that the tested Grok sent an outgoing stream continuously while switched on, including when it was not reacting to a wake word. They measured traffic at roughly 30 kb/s and said it was consistent with a good-quality audio stream at 256 kbps. The authors described the observation as a potential audio-surveillance risk. It applies to the specific product and configuration they tested; it does not establish how other toys work or how Grok behaves after later software changes. Read the 2024 study.
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- 【2s Fast SMART Response & Interactive AI Companion】This interactive AI plush Bao-ao is equipped with advanced generative AI technology and responds to voice commands in only 2 seconds for lag-free conversations. Trained with massive daily dialogue datasets, it delivers natural, non-robotic replies to be your exclusive chat buddy for home use, trips and bedtime chats.It brings fun interactive chats to spark kids’ interest in talking and sharing ideas freely.
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What information a toy or companion app may collect
There is no single data flow common to all AI toys. Depending on the product, collection may involve speech, information a child shares, device or app identifiers, or permissions requested by a companion app.
- Voice and conversation: The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) warns that toys with microphones can capture conversations within earshot. It says interactions are typically sent to a manufacturer’s or developer’s servers or cloud services, and that third-party voice-recognition companies may be involved. See the IC3 advisory.
- Details shared during play: In the Grok study, onboarding asked for a child’s name, interests, favorite toy, and a home tour. Researchers said the privacy policy described those details as optional, but the optional nature was not made clear to the child during onboarding. This is an observation about that product, not a claim about every toy. Read the study.
- App, device, and persistent identifiers: Under the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), persistent identifiers can count as personal information in relevant circumstances. See the FTC’s COPPA FAQ.
- Location or other app-permission data: In September 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an action alleging that Apitor’s Android companion app enabled a third party to collect children’s precise location data without notifying parents and obtaining consent. This is an allegation in a specific enforcement matter, not evidence that all robot toys collect location. Read the FTC announcement.
- Incidental household details: Ordinary play or nearby conversation may reveal a child’s name, school, likes, dislikes, or activities, according to IC3. A child need not deliberately fill out a profile for personal details to be disclosed. See the IC3 advisory.
Where the data can go—and why the app matters
A toy’s microphone or other sensors may feed embedded software, a phone app, the manufacturer’s service, or external providers used for speech recognition and other functions. The FTC’s Apitor announcement illustrates why privacy checks should include the companion app: the agency described allegations that a third-party software development kit in the app could send precise location data to a third party. The announcement does not establish that other apps do the same.
Rank #2
- [Lovi AI Companion Robot | Lively Conversations]: More than an AI talking toy, this is a true interactive companion. With a vibrant LCD screen that displays over 20 emotions and the ability to switch between 8 unique character modes and 6 fun voices, every chat is a new adventure. It responds to your child’s mood, keeping them engaged and sparking joy with every interaction.
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Security also depends on the connections and devices involved. IC3 highlights encrypted connections and Bluetooth authentication as protections against unauthorized access or eavesdropping, and notes that the toy, partner apps, and Wi-Fi network can all affect security. See the IC3 advisory.
What U.S. COPPA does—and does not—mean
In the United States, COPPA applies to covered online services, including mobile apps and internet-connected devices such as smart toys, when they are directed to children under 13 and collect, use, or disclose children’s personal information. It can also apply to some general-audience services with actual knowledge that they do so. Covered operators generally must post a privacy policy, give parents direct notice, and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information, subject to limited exceptions. The FTC says the rule was amended on April 22, 2025. See the FTC’s COPPA FAQ.
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Rank #3
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The FTC treats a child’s voice recording as personal information. Its FAQ describes a narrow enforcement-policy exception for audio collected solely as a substitute for written words to fulfill a verbal request and retained only briefly; clear notice about audio use and the deletion policy is still required. This is not a blanket exemption for voice-enabled toys. Whether COPPA applies to a particular service depends on its facts and coverage, so the rule should not be read as a general certification that a toy is private or safe.
A checklist for choosing and setting up a toy
Before buying or connecting a toy, use these questions to compare its hardware, app, and data practices. The FTC’s consumer guidance and the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) connected-toy guidance support these checks; the ICO recommendations are UK guidance. Read the FTC’s buying advice and the ICO’s connected-toy guidance.
Rank #4
- INTERACTIVE LEARNING: Voice-powered AI companion that engages children in educational conversations, fostering creativity and learning through natural dialogue.
- SCREEN-FREE PLAY: Provides children with enriching entertainment without digital screens, encouraging active engagement and imagination.
- SMART TECHNOLOGY: Cloud-connected processor enables real-time responses and dynamic interactions, powered by a long-lasting lithium-ion battery.
- VOICE FEATURES: High-quality speaker and responsive microphone ensure clear two-way conversations and seamless interaction with children.
- CHILD-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Suitable for children ages 3 and up, requiring WiFi connection for optimal performance and interactive educational experiences.
- Identify sensors and recording cues. Does the toy have a microphone, camera, or other sensor? What activates it? Is there a visible or audible indicator when recording or collection is active?
- Check what works offline. Does the toy require an account, Wi-Fi, or companion app? Can you switch off the microphone, connectivity, or data collection on the toy itself? Can it be used without connecting it?
- Trace the data. What is collected during play, where is it stored, which companies can access it, and how long is it retained? Look for named service providers, not only a general statement that information may be shared.
- Look for parent controls. Can a parent review or delete the child’s information and stop further collection? Check whether those controls apply to information held by outside providers as well as the toy’s maker.
- Review app permissions. Does the companion app request location or other permissions that seem unnecessary for play? Check whether third-party processors are identified. The FTC’s Apitor action shows why the app deserves its own review.
- Check connection security. Does the manufacturer explain whether data connections are encrypted and Bluetooth pairings authenticated?
- Read terms before setup. Can you review the privacy policy and terms before buying and creating an account? The ICO recommends privacy information before purchase and setup; FTC guidance also treats data handling as a purchase consideration.
What the available evidence cannot establish
The cited evidence does not provide a verified, representative comparison of current AI toys, their current privacy policies, retention periods, deletion workflows, or retail availability. The Grok findings concern one product configuration tested in 2024, and later software changes may matter. The 2025 Apitor announcement concerns allegations about one app. Neither example supports a product-wide ranking or a claim that all AI toys collect the same data. For a particular model, rely on its current privacy notice, app permissions, and setup controls.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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