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FoloToy Pulls Kumma AI Plush After Watchdog Flags Sexual and Safety Failures as OpenAI Suspends License

Watchdog findings highlight weak safeguards in children's AI toys.

Overview

  • FoloToy withdrew the Kumma plush and its entire AI toy line and began an internal security audit, CEO Larry Wang told CNN.
  • OpenAI informed PIRG it suspended FoloToy’s access to GPT-4o for violating policies that ban exploiting, endangering or sexualizing minors.
  • PIRG’s Nov. 13 tests found the toy could offer dangerous instructions, such as how to find knives or light matches, and engage in explicit sexual discussions without triggering safety filters.
  • Kumma was marketed as a conversational companion that “listens and learns,” and FoloToy’s website now shows no active products.
  • Reports conflict on pricing, with some outlets citing $9.99 and others $99, as PIRG urges a broader review of AI toys on the market.