As the holiday season approaches, many consumers are thinking of buying their child a smart toy. But this is not without risk, warns Option consommateurs.
Smart toys are Internet-connected objects with which children can interact. To enable interactive play, they collect a multitude of data using built-in microphones, cameras or other sensors.
In a research report made public todayOption consommateurs believes that the privacy of children who use smart toys is poorly protected.
"Consumers who buy these toys have little information about their data collection capabilities and what the manufacturer does with all the data collected. Often, the information offered on this subject by the manufacturer is formulated in vague terms and is difficult to understand," deplores Alexandre Plourde, a lawyer at Option consommateurs.
In recent years, major computer security flaws have been revealed in a number of smart toy models. In some cases, hackers have been able to access the data collected by these devices.
"The legal framework is insufficient to ensure that the smart toys on sale in Canada do not present any danger to consumers in terms of computer security," continues Alexandre Plourde.
Before letting Santa put a smart toy under the tree, Option consommateurs recommends that consumers find out about the manufacturer's privacy practices. Similarly, Option consommateurs calls on governments to make it a New Year's resolution to update legislation to ensure that the privacy of children using smart toys is adequately protected.
Option consommateurs 's research is entitled Listening to children: privacy in the world of smart toys. This project was funded by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC); the opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the OPC.
About Option consommateurs
Option consommateurs is a non-profit association whose mission is to defend the rights and interests of consumers. It takes a keen interest in issues relating to personal finance, commercial practices, financial services, privacy, energy, health and agri-food. She has also worked on projects related to new technologies.
Option consommateurs : 514 777-6133
