Toy Robot Sends User Conversations to Chinese Servers

Energize Lab's Eiliko robot, designed as a digital pet that can sense moods, is sending user conversations to servers located in China. This practice raises significant data security concerns, as the information could be accessed by hackers or potentially used to hijack the robot's personality.

Testing revealed that Eiliko stores everything spoken to it over Wi-Fi. Despite the robot's assurances of privacy, its data collection methods present notable risks. The company has not publicly addressed these security vulnerabilities.

The Verge reported on the issue after acquiring the device. The report highlights that personal information shared by children or adults using the toy could be compromised if the server infrastructure is not adequately secured.

Energize Lab's approach raises questions about responsibility in the consumer technology sector, particularly concerning devices that collect sensitive household data. This incident underscores the need for greater transparency and robust security protocols for smart devices.