6. Internet Connected Toys
Everyone could use a friend who’s a good listener, but even kids know better than to keep one who will share their secrets. A U.S. doll called My Friend Cayla who German regulators say was created for espionage, forced the country to ban it from households entirely. While Nuance, the American company who created the internet-connected doll, says Cayla simply acts as a secret-keeping interactive friend for kids, others have been quick to point out its creep factor. Not only does the device engage in targeted advertising towards kids, it also poses a massive threat for users who use an insecure Bluetooth pairing to link the doll to smartphones. So, the next time you’re contemplating what to get for your new nephew, rethink how cool that wifi-connected toy car is.