In a rare show of cross-party unity, two prominent US senators have launched a joint investigation into the safety of artificial intelligence-powered toys designed for young children. The move follows alarming reports that some of these interactive playthings can generate sexually explicit or violent content.
Bipartisan Pressure on Toy Giants
Senator Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, and Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, have sent formal letters to the chief executives of six major toy companies. The recipients include industry titan Mattel as well as Little Learners Toys, Miko, Curio, FoloToy, and Keyi Robot.
The letters, dispatched on Wednesday 17 December 2025, demand detailed answers on several critical fronts. The senators are seeking clarity on the companies' data-sharing policies, their methods for testing psychological and developmental impacts on children, and the specific safety tools implemented to block harmful content.
"While AI has incredible potential to benefit children with learning and accessibility, experts have raised concerns about AI toys and the lack of research that has been conducted to understand the full effect of these products on our kids," the lawmakers stated. They emphasised that toymakers hold a "unique and profound influence on childhood — and with that influence comes responsibility."
Triggers for the Investigation
This political action was prompted by a recent investigative report from NBC News and the U.S. Public Interest Group Education Fund. The report, published last week, alleged that several AI-integrated toys from various brands could be prompted into holding sexual or otherwise inappropriate conversations.
In one disturbing example cited, a Miiloo plush toy from Miriat was successfully manipulated into providing instructions on how to light a match or sharpen a knife. Some products from the targeted companies are marketed to children as young as three years old.
Beyond the immediate risk of explicit content, the senators' letter also expresses concern about children forming excessive attachments or becoming addicted to the AI characters within these toys.
Key Demands and Company Responses
The senators have given the companies a deadline to provide comprehensive documentation on their safety protocols. They specifically want details on how they prevent products from "generating sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise inappropriate content for children." The inquiry also delves into data collection practices, asking what information is gathered and how it is used.
One company, Miko, has previously disclosed that its products store a user's face, voice, and emotional states on its servers for up to three years.
In an early response, Curio told NBC News it "looks forward to collaborating with Senator Blackburn and Senator Blumenthal on this important issue." The company added, "Child safety is the team’s highest priority, and we take concerns raised by families and public officials very seriously."
The senators concluded their letters with a stark warning: "Your company must not choose profit over safety for children." The Independent has contacted all companies named in the investigation for further comment.
