Utah Congressman Seeks to Ban AI Chatbots in Children’s Toys Over Safety and Privacy Concerns
SALT LAKE CITY — April 27, 2026
A Utah congressman now acts. He seeks to stop AI chatbots from living in children’s toys. Representative Blake Moore (R-Utah) offered a bill. The bill bans companies from putting AI in toys or childcare products for kids.
The new law, called the AI Children’s Toy Safety Act, stops firms from making, importing, or selling AI chatbot toys. Moore classifies these products as unsafe under the Consumer Product Safety Act. Any violation will meet firm enforcement.
"Every step in using artificial intelligence must focus on people," Moore said. "America will keep to win, work, and challenge in AI. But we must use care with ethics. We must hold back tools that hurt privacy, safety, human growth, and add to addiction."
Rising Concerns Over AI in Toys
Groups that care for consumers worry. They watch as AI chases into children’s toys. Last year, before the holiday rush, Fairplay—a group for child care—warned that AI chatbots found homes in toys like plush animals, dolls, action figures, and robots. Over 80 experts in child care and tech signed the warning. They said that these AI toys act like friends. They show human feelings but lack studies that prove safety or benefit.
A group called the Public Interest Research Group found more risks. Their report said some chatbot toys talk about dangerous and teeny topics. They even discuss sex topics or show unsafe acts like using knives. Many of these toys miss parental controls. They record voices and grab personal data. Even though AI makers advise that kids should not use these tools, some firms target children from ages 3 to 12. ### Industry Response and Regulatory Landscape
The Toy Association, which speaks for toy makers, said they follow strict federal standards. They also give tips about AI safety. Yet, Rep. Moore warned that young minds need extra care from AI talk.
"We must not let AI chatbots run into the toy world or give kids the idea that AI play equals true life and real ties," he said. "AI companies must not use toys to grab data or sway young minds."
Utah tried state rules for AI before. Those steps failed when the White House opposed state laws. Still, Moore stands with other Utah lawmakers. Senator John Curtis (R-Utah) works on rules for clear notices on AI use in robocalls and texts. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) also works on bills to penalize AI programs that help share harmful child abuse images.
Looking Ahead
AI grows in life fast. People argue over how to use it, especially when kids are at risk. Rep. Blake Moore wants the AI Children’s Toy Safety Act to mark a clear line. His goal is to keep AI chatbots out of toys. He thinks children’s safety, privacy, and growth come first over flashy tech or data grabs.
The bill will watch closely by parents, advocates, toy makers, and lawmakers. They all face the new, deep ties between AI and daily life.
Bridger Beal-Cvetko covers politics and community news for KSL. He has reported for the Deseret News and is a Utah Valley University graduate.
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