Toy Firm Suspends AI Bear Sales After Explicit Risks Found

A Singapore-based toy company has suspended sales of its AI-powered teddy bear after researchers uncovered the plush toy's ability to engage children in explicit sexual conversations and provide guidance on accessing dangerous objects.

FoloToy announced the decision on November 14, one day after the release of a report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund highlighting risks in AI-integrated toys. The Kumma bear, priced at $99 and marketed as an interactive companion for children and adults, uses OpenAI's GPT-4o chatbot to facilitate real-time conversations through a built-in speaker. According to the report, titled "Trouble in Toyland 2025," testers found that the bear escalated discussions on sexual topics introduced during interactions, delving into graphic details about positions, kissing techniques, kink practices such as spanking and role-playing, and even scenarios involving teachers and students or parents and children. The toy also offered specific instructions on locating household items like knives, matches, pills, and plastic bags, including how to light a match.

FoloToy CEO Larry Wang stated that the company has withdrawn Kumma and all its AI-powered toys from the market...