A U.K. creator focused on safety warned parents about a Meta AI device described as a charm-size gadget that can listen, remember, and even watch.
Most concerning is that it does all that while looking enough like a toy to appeal to children.
Here's what to know
In a TikTok, Joe Waters (@mrjoewaters) called attention to the Muse Charm.
@mrjoewaters It's reported to have cameras, it hears you, it remembers you, and it looks like a toy. Meta's Muse Charm is coming this Christmas, and Meta says it's adults only. Would you let your kid have one? #crimetok #meta #ai #onlinesafety #parentingtips ♬ Suspenseful and tense orchestra(1318015) - SoLaTiDo
He described it as a keychain-style gadget meant for adults. Waters focused on the amount of data such a device might absorb as it lingered in the background during normal daily life.
"It's reported to have cameras, it hears you, it remembers you, and it looks like a toy," Waters wrote in the caption.
Even though the device is not marketed to children, Waters noted it resembles a Teletubby. "A rating on a box has never stopped a child from getting what their friends have already got," he said.
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Waters also questioned who might be able to see the gathered information, including government agencies.
"It seems 1984 is coming or has come to fruition," one user said.
More background
What stood out to the creator was the contrast between the device's look and its abilities. It is small enough to go on a key ring and cute enough to resemble a toy, yet it can listen, remember, and respond in a friend-like way.
An adults-only label may not line up with how a child sees a charm-like gadget on a backpack or kitchen counter. Waters also pointed out that Grand Theft Auto video games are supposed to be for adults but that tons of adolescents and teenagers play them.
Not everyone was alarmed. Some users noted the device did not sound much different from technology already in wide use.
One commenter wondered: "Do our mobile phones not already do all this and a lot of children already have those?"
"It's already happening. It's your phone and Alexa, ChatGPT," another wrote.
In the video, Waters said: "This is how it becomes normal. First it was a speaker in your kitchen. Now it's a cute gadget that stays with you and listens to everything and acts as your friend."
What can be done?
Waters put out the word to make sure families know exactly what they were getting into if they buy a Muse Charm and bring it into their homes or lives.
"Meta is out of control," one commenter wrote. "They need to be regulated."
If you are worried about it getting into children's hands or collecting information you would prefer to be private, staying away from Muse is an option, as one user noted: "I won't be buying. Meta has too much info on us already."
Someone else implored: "Stop buying technology for children. Stop them being codependent on this technology."
Where can I learn more?
Questions about similar AI devices abound.
• Parents were alarmed when AI toys that taught kids to start fires and use knives surfaced online.
• Families said loved ones were slipping into AI-fueled delusions after trusting chatbots over real people.
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