Protecting Children’s Privacy: FTC Takes Action Against Robot Toy Maker for Data Collection Practices
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced significant action against a manufacturer of children’s robotic toys, citing concerns over the collection of personal data from children without obtaining the necessary parental consent. The announcement, made on September 3, 2025, at 12:00 PM, underscores the FTC’s commitment to safeguarding the privacy of young consumers in the increasingly digital world of connected toys.
The company, whose name has been released by the FTC in relation to this action, has been found to have engaged in practices that allegedly violated the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). COPPA is a federal law designed to give parents control over what information websites and online services can collect from their young children. The law specifically requires operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 to provide notice to parents and obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting, using, or disclosing personal information from those children.
While specific details of the company’s product and the nature of the data collected are subject to the ongoing proceedings, the FTC’s press release highlights a critical issue: the potential for connected devices, including toys, to gather sensitive information from children. This can range from voice recordings and online activity to location data and personal preferences. When such data is collected without proper parental consent, it raises serious privacy concerns and can expose children to risks such as targeted advertising, inappropriate content, or even more significant security breaches.
The FTC’s action serves as a strong reminder to the toy industry and all companies operating in the digital space that they must adhere to robust data privacy regulations, especially when children are involved. The Commission’s stance is clear: protecting the privacy of children online is a paramount responsibility.
This enforcement action signals the FTC’s continued vigilance in monitoring the marketplace for violations of COPPA and other consumer protection laws. It encourages other companies to proactively review their data collection practices and ensure they are fully compliant with existing regulations. Parents, too, are reminded of the importance of being aware of the technologies their children use and the data these devices may collect.
The FTC is dedicated to ensuring a safe and trustworthy online environment for all consumers, particularly the most vulnerable. This latest action reinforces their commitment to holding companies accountable for their data privacy practices and upholding the rights of children and their families. Further details regarding the specific allegations and any subsequent resolutions are expected to be made public as the case progresses.
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www.ftc.gov published ‘FTC Takes Action Against Robot Toy Maker for Allowing Collection of Children’s Data without Parental Consent’ at 2025-09-03 12:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.