The Internet of toys

Abstract

The Internet of Toys refers to a future where toys not only relate one-on-one to children but are wirelessly connected to other toys and/or database data. While existing toy companies and start-ups are eagerly innovating in this area, problems involving data hacking and other privacy issues have already occurred. The Hello Barbie and VTech hacks in late 2015 are recent examples. This article reviews, outlines, and analyses these recent advances in children’s engagement with the Internet. It shows how Internet-connected toys, among other data-inducing practices (such as baby wearables and school analytics), are implicated in big data processes that are datafying a generation of youngsters. Significant issues exist around the data security and safety of The Internet of Toys for child consumers who are usually too young to fully understand and consent to data collection or to understand other security issues.