– Do not buy a toy that doesn’t let you know exactly how data is collected, used, stored, or processed. If at all possible, research the privacy policy of the toy before purchasing. This applies even if your child receives the toy as a gift. If you can’t verify that it’s safe, consider whether it is worth the risks to keep the toy.
Many internet-enabled toys and devices will come with an app that can be downloaded onto a smartphone, giving you control of the device anywhere you can connect to the internet. You need to consider the privacy and security of that app as well as the toy itself. Review the app’s settings and policies carefully for what will be shared and potentially accessed.
If your child grows tired of the toy, be careful when giving it away or reselling it. Your child’s information should be deleted before you discard it. Manufacturers should offer guidance on how to remove your child’s information. Additionally, if your child loses the toy, immediately contact the manufacturer to ask how stored data can be removed.
Remember, there are a lot of sick and crazy people in the world, so before you let your children play with that toy, maybe you should play around with it first.