Published Paper Details:

Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an integral part of children's everyday play through smart toys that can interact, learn, and adapt to their users. These innovations offer unprecedented educational and recreational opportunities, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and personalized learning experiences. At the same time, AI toys collect a range of sensitive data, including children's voices, behavioural patterns, and personal information, which, if mismanaged, can expose minors to privacy risks and potential exploitation. Despite the rapid adoption of such technologies, current legal and regulatory frameworks are fragmented and often lag behind technological advancements, leaving critical gaps in the protection of children's digital rights. This study investigates the legal vacuum surrounding AI-enabled toys and examines the ethical and child-rights considerations that arise in this context. By critically analysing existing privacy laws and their limitations, the research proposes a conceptual framework for the responsible design, deployment, and oversight of AI play devices. The study underscores the unique vulnerabilities of children in digital environments, highlighting the need for regulatory interventions that balance innovation with protection. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation to guide policymakers, designers, and stakeholders in establishing privacy safeguards, ethical standards, and child-centric governance models for AI technologies targeting minors.