Connected toys can be wonderful, and they can also collect far more than parents realise. Before bringing one into a child's bedroom, run these eight checks. They work for any brand, and we show how Ted answers each one.
The eight checks
| Question to ask | Why it matters | Ted's answer |
|---|---|---|
| Is there a camera? | Images of a child's room are sensitive data | No camera |
| Can I choose when it listens? | An always listening toy hears everything around it | Yes: automatic listening or push to talk |
| Is my child's voice stored? | A voice is a biometric identifier | No, and Ted does not recognise voices |
| Where is the data hosted? | Hosting country decides which laws apply | Frankfurt, Germany, under GDPR |
| Which certifications? | Independent tests beat marketing claims | CE, RED, EN71, GDPR and COPPA |
| Can parents set limits? | A child should not be alone with an unsupervised system | Parents stay in control through a mobile app, with guardrails |
| Is there a screen? | Screens change how attention works | No screen |
| Is there a subscription? | A monthly fee can create an incentive to maximise use | No subscription |
What "guardrails" means
With Ted, your child can have real conversations, framed by limits: topics that are off the table, an age appropriate way of speaking, and settings you adjust in the app at any time. Your child can also introduce themselves with their first name and age, and Ted adapts how it speaks, without identifying them by voice.
A note on the law
Rules on AI toys are moving fast in Europe and in the US. We follow them closely and explain them in plain words: see what to check before you buy and connected toys and GDPR.
Questions parents ask
Can I delete my child's data?
Under GDPR, you have the right to access and delete your family's data. Contact us at hello@tedco.ai.
Does Ted work offline?
No, Ted needs Wi-Fi to understand and answer. If you prefer a toy with no connection at all, a simple audio player is the better choice.
Read our full safety and privacy page, or meet Ted.
