What happened
According to an investigation published by the BBC, an AI-powered plush toy marketed for children as young as three gave a self-harm crisis reply to a question that had nothing to do with self-harm. The findings were made public on Thursday.
The product and price
The toy, called Doubao, is sold online in the UK as My Baby Bunny for £75. A test by a BBC Wales reporter showed the toy producing an unexpected and risky response from a child-safety standpoint.
Why it matters
AI toys are among the first consumer products that speak directly to young children. How well safety filters work in such devices is becoming a new debate for parents and regulators. The investigation raises the question of how age-inappropriate responses should be prevented.
