Failed Privacy: AI Toy Dangers and Google Buzz’s Lasting Impact on America’s Digital Privacy 

As we gear up for the holiday season, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in Ireland has sounded an alarm regarding the potential privacy hazards lurking beneath the shiny veneer of AI-powered toys. 

While these high-tech playthings may seem perfect, they conceal a concerning underbelly of data collection and privacy infringement.

Dolls with Ears and Apps with Secrets

Children often love the dolls that respond to their voice commands, seemingly possessing their personality. 

However, the DPC urges parents to be wary of the reality—some of these toys record and share the ‘conversations’ between the child and the doll. Worse, these recordings may be given to other companies, potentially becoming fodder for targeted advertising.

Red Flags in the Toy Aisle: Unwrapping the Risks

In a world where AI reigns supreme, toys labeled “AI-powered” flood the market. Beyond the joy they bring, these gadgets may expose children to data collection and, alarmingly, contribute to AI model training using their personal information.

Hackers may manipulate the location feature, creating a false sense of the child’s whereabouts, while the ‘SOS’ function could be deceived into dialing a non-trusted number.

Despite the potential risks, tech innovations remain tantalizing gift options. The DPC offers a checklist for concerned parents to consider before making a purchase:

1. Sensors and Capabilities: Understand what sensors the toy possesses. Does it record voice, comprehend commands, or have a camera?
2. Connectivity Features: Check if the toy has Bluetooth or can connect to the internet.
3. Control Over Features: Ensure you can easily toggle the various features on and off according to your preferences.
4. Terms and Conditions: Scrutinize the terms and conditions to comprehend the extent of data collection and processing.

Google Buzz’s Short-Lived Impact

Before the infamous Google+ debacle, there was Google Buzz – a social network that barely lasted two years but left a lasting mark on online privacy in the United States. 

Launched in 2010, Buzz’s mishandling of personal data triggered the first of several legal settlements that, despite their imperfections, stand as the closest America has come to establishing robust rules for safeguarding online privacy.

A Regulatory Vacuum

When users sign up for Google Buzz, the platform automatically creates a friend network based on their email contacts, exposing private email addresses and undisclosed relationships. 

👉Google Buzz:

Google Buzz was a social networking and messaging tool launched in 2010, intended to integrate with Gmail.

However, it was criticized for its privacy issues and lack of user control, and Google shut it down in 2011.

— Precious | The App Guy 💙 (@precious_tagy) April 15, 2023

While Washington regulators were compelled to intervene, Google hadn’t technically violated any national privacy laws—because, at that time, the U.S. lacked comprehensive privacy legislation. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stepped in, crafting a 20-year consent decree with Google in 2011, setting a precedent for the tech giant to uphold a “comprehensive privacy program” until 2031.

Outdated Barriers

As pressure mounts for a federal privacy law, Congress remains hesitant to act, leaving the privacy of millions in the hands of these consent decrees—static barriers ill-equipped to explore the significant tech dominance. 

While Meta, Google, and others operate under consent decrees, numerous tech giants, including TikTok and Apple, remain unaffected by substantial federal rules protecting user data.

The Imperfect Guardians

Interviews with insiders shed light on the impact of consent decrees on Google and Meta. While these agreements led to positive changes, critics argue that they must catch up, often delaying projects and limiting improvements. 

The FTC’s ongoing effort to modernize its deal with Meta faces challenges, with potential appeals by the company threatening to prolong the process.