Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the risks to children of toys with built-in AI chatbots; and what steps he is taking to protect children from those risks.

Children’s safety is our top priority, and toys sold in the UK must meet our strict product safety requirements, including where AI is used. Businesses, including manufacturers must ensure the products they place on the market are safe and compliant and take appropriate action if safety risks are identified.

The Government recently conducted a Call for Evidence on the Toys (Safety) Regulations, seeking views on the implications of AI-enabled toys and whether the existing regulatory framework remains fit for purpose. The evidence gathered is now being considered, and the Government will set out its response in due course.