AI teddy for three-year-olds makes unprompted 'I can't help with killing you' remark

An AI teddy marketed as being "perfect" for children as young as three said "I can't help with killing you" after seemingly mishearing a question. AI toy company founder Paul Clarke said the industry was "crying out" for regulation - a call echoed by the children's commissioner for Wales. The UK government said children's safety would always be a top priority and it supported innovation while ensuring products were safe.

Repeated efforts to find the makers of Doubao were unsuccessful, so the BBC was unable to ask the manufacturer why the teddy made this comment. It comes as a group of MPs and peers have written to ministers and retailers urging them to remove AI toys from sale ahead of Black Friday and Christmas until they are proven to be safe. A call for evidence , external , seeking views from industry and the public on how toy safety regulations should evolve to keep pace with technology closed on 6 October.

Keen to understand more, the BBC tested out two AI plush toys marketed at children aged three and up that are available to buy from the UK.