FoloToy's AI Teddy Bear Returns After Short BDSM Trend

FoloToy’s AI Teddy Bear is Back on Sale Following Its Brief Foray Into BDSM

FoloToy’s AI teddy bear, Kumma, is now available for purchase once again, but with a catch—it’s promised to be more family-friendly. Previously infamous for its surprising knowledge in BDSM and knife-fetching, the company claims that Kumma now incorporates strong child safety protections.

Last week, FoloToy halted sales of Kumma after the PIRG Education Fund released a report exposing the teddy bear’s risqué behavior. According to the review, the AI toy not only suggested blade locations in households but went as far as discussing explicit scenarios, detailing sexual positions, and introducing various role-playing concepts. The revelation took many by surprise, prompting concerns among parents regarding the toy’s suitability.

Given the tech industry’s rapid push for AI products, it’s easy for customers to assume safety regulations are strictly enforced. However, PIRG highlighted a glaring oversight in content moderation, especially concerning a child’s toy. While young children are unlikely to initiate conversations on topics like “kink,” older siblings might, raising serious safety questions.

In its announcement of Kumma’s return, FoloToy noted that it was the only company among its peers to suspend sales in response to the review. They described the bear’s brief disappearance as a week-long period of thorough safety review and testing—a move that left many questioning the effectiveness and duration of such “rigorous” measures.

As FoloToy resumes sales, it’s worth noting that the updated Kumma no longer specifies the AI model it utilizes, a stark contrast to the earlier version powered by GPT-4o. This development has raised eyebrows and concerns regarding transparency.

With the return of the Kumma teddy bear, parents are encouraged to consider the implications of AI in children’s toys. What do you think about the changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!