Connected Toy Maker Settles With FTC Over Alleged COPPA Violations

Investigation of VTech marks 'commission's' first-ever foray into world of connected toys

Rising Tide

The internet of things – the holy grail of tech enthusiasts and bane of dystopian prophets – has established yet another beachhead in its presumably inevitable march toward whatever future awaits us: toys.

Take, for example, Hong Kong-based VTech's line of attractive, kid-oriented electronic devices. The company manufactures watches, tablets and even stuffed animals that leverage an online platform (dubbed the "Learning Lodge"), similar to the Apple App Store, from which books, apps and other kid-friendly content can be downloaded through the toys.

As a communications overlay for its myriad devices, the company created "Kid Connect" – a messaging platform for children that allows kids to chat with peers on a personalized contact list. Kid Connect apps share text, audio messages and personal photos, and even create chat rooms built around the user's contact