As St Nicholas Day approaches, connected toys are once again topping children's wish lists. Interactive robots, talking dolls, smart watches: these high-tech gadgets are becoming increasingly widespread. Behind their seductive features lie potential risks to the privacy and safety of users, particularly the very young. Here's some advice on how to choose these toys with peace of mind.
- Invasion of privacy Many connected toys collect personal data: voice recordings, videos, GPS location, or information about a child's habits. Poorly secured, this data can fall into the wrong hands.
- Cyber attacks and hacking If toys do not meet high security standards, they can be hacked. A hacker could, for example, eavesdrop on conversations via a built-in microphone or control a toy remotely.
- Influence through inappropriate content Some toys connected to the Internet can access content that is poorly filtered or inappropriate for a child's age. This can expose young users to inappropriate images, videos or information.
- Commercial use The data collected by connected toys can sometimes be used for marketing purposes, exposing children to targeted advertising from an early age.
- Check brand reviews and reputation Before giving in to the temptation of a trendy toy, find out more about the brand. Check online reviews to see if there have been any reports of security breaches.
- Read the privacy policy carefully A quick read of the terms of use can reveal whether data is stored securely, shared with third parties or used for commercial purposes.
- Opt for toys with regular updates Connected toys that allow software updates are more likely to be patched in the event of a security breach.
- Check the authorisations requested If a toy asks for unusual access (such as the camera or GPS without justification), be wary.
Change the default passwords
Factory passwords are often the same for all toys of a given model. Consider replacing them with a strong password.
Use a secure Wi-Fi network
Connect toys to a password-protected network and activate your router's firewall to prevent intrusions.
Limit permissions
Only authorise functions that are essential to the toy's operation. Disable unnecessary options such as geolocation.
Monitor usage
Explain to your child how to use the toy safely and keep an eye on their online behaviour.
Connected toys can provide enriching and educational experiences for children, provided they are used responsibly. By taking the time to inform yourself, secure the devices and accompany your children in their use, you can guarantee them hours of fun in complete safety.
For more advice on online safety, check out the following links:
https://www.safeonweb.be/index.php/en/help-my-camera-footage-online
