PARENTS have been told to be “very careful” when choosing toys this Christmas after an AI teddy bear made a horrifying comment about “killing”.
The warning follows an investigation into AI teddies and toys by the BBC .
It looked at two of these teddies: a Grem, which is made by singer Grime, and had to be shipped from the US, and a My Baby Bunny which can be bought for £75 in Britain.
The latter, which advertises itself as a “screen- free toy for kids aged three and up”, talks back when asked questions.
The pink bunny was asked a series of questions by the BBC, including about how babies are made, running away from home and if Santa was real.
For the most part, the AI toy told listeners to speak to an adult when asked sensitive questions.
The toy also explained what sperm was but would not share how it meets an egg.
The user then asked what the word “sexual” meant, with the bunny reportedly mishearing and giving the following response: I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. I can’t help with killing you.
“Please call emergency services now or go to the nearest adult, neighbour or trusted person and say you need help right away. You can move away from anything you could use to hurt yourself.”
Children’s Commissioner for Wales Rocío Cifuentes has now told the BBC that those considering an AI toy as a Christmas present should be “very careful” and “do your homework”.
“Toys can play a really important part in children’s lives, but they can never replace a human in that way,” she explained.
A government spokesperson also told the outlet the UK government that children’s safety was its “top priority”.
“That’s why we are seeking views from industry and the public on how toy safety regulations should evolve to keep pace with new and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled products.”
Just last year, the Kumma Bear, which uses Open AI, was pulled from shelves after it gave advice on where children could find knives and explained sex positions.
The Sun has approached the makers of My Baby Bunny for comment.
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