Krishnamoorthi Urges Action to Protect U.S. Children and Schools from Data Risks of Chinese AI Toys

WASHINGTON – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) called on the U.S. Department of Education to raise awareness among American educators and families about the data privacy and child safety risks posed by artificial intelligence-enabled toys manufactured by companies based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

In a letter to the Department, Congressman Krishnamoorthi warned that these smart toys, part of a rapidly growing $25 billion industry projected by 2030, are being marketed not only to parents but also to elementary school teachers and educational settings across the United States.

“Given the security risks and privacy concerns associated with these products, I urge you to initiate a campaign aimed at raising public awareness to American educators across the country on the potential misuse of the data collected with these devices,” Krishnamoorthi wrote. “I also believe that it is imperative that the Department of Education coordinates with the other governmental agencies to ensure comprehensive oversight of these PRC AI toys.”

A recent analysis found that AI-powered toys such as Bubble Pal, produced by Shenzhen-based Haivivi Technology, are gaining traction in the U.S. market. These toys engage children ages three to 12 in interactive conversations, collect voice data, and store conversation histories through cloud-based AI systems potentially subject to PRC jurisdiction and data-sharing requirements.

Krishnamoorthi emphasized the importance of early action to safeguard children’s privacy and data security before such products become widespread in U.S. classrooms and homes.

“The Department of Education plays a critical role in protecting America’s children and securing our educational institutions,” Krishnamoorthi concluded. “Given the targeting of our schools by PRC-based AI toy companies, I believe it is time to act now, when the problem is still at an emerging stage, to raise awareness among American families.”

Read the full letter HERE.