The European Commission, national data protection authorities and consumer protection authorities met for the first time in Brussels on Thursday 23 March to discuss how best to ensure that connected toys and digital apps comply with EU law.
Ensuring compliance with European law is a matter for member states, the Commission recently pointed out in relation to the dangers posed by the “Cayla” doll which breaches children’s rights to privacy and, more seriously, their safety since it makes it possible to listen in on children remotely (see EUROPE 11685). The Commission intends, however, to assist national authorities in their task.
Scientific study by Joint Research Centre. A study by a team of scientists from the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) and international experts analysing both opportunities and risks associated with internet connected objects such as dolls, teddy bears or watches informed the discussion.
“While technological developments and new digital products are enriching our daily lives, EU citizens rightly expect that their products are, first of all, safe. In particular, when it comes to the most vulnerable. For example, more and more children are playing with connected toys. Their parents must be able to rest assured that these toys are safe for them to play with and that their privacy is respected”, said Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova.
The recommendations contained in the study will help industry and scientists to work together to ensure that the design of connected toys minimises the risk of abuse and to better guide political decisions in the digital age. The study can be viewed at: https://bookshop.europa.eu/en/kaleidoscope-on-the-internet-of-toys-pbLBNA28397 (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)