Reading reviews of smart toys and devices can help you figure out if they’re appropriate for your child.
We’re surrounded by technology. Smart watches, smart speakers, smart TVs and even smart fridges are now a normal part of our everyday life.
It has even extended into the toy market, with a wide range of smart and connected toys available for children.
These are internet-enabled devices with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other capabilities built-in.
While they can provide fun experiences that liven up playtime, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks of these toys.
They collect data when they’re being used, therefore it’s useful to be aware of the privacy policies of the smart toy that you’re buying.
Under Irish data protection legislation, if your child is under 16, a manufacturer of such toys, or “data controller”, who is collecting and processing personal data, is required to obtain parental/guardian authorisation to process it, where consent is the legislative basis for doing this.
You can read more about the Age of Digital Consent here but in the meantime, here are some helpful tips for ensuring your child’s data is protected.