A FREE event in Oxford next week will explore the risk posed by 'smart toys' to children.

Held by Professor Vikki Nash, senior research fellow and deputy director at Oxford Internet Institute, the lecture entitled 'Connected cots, talking teddies and the rise of the algorithmic child', will inform parents about the dangers of smart toys including hacking and data breaches.

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Professor Nash said: “With smart toys marketed to children as young as three years old, parents need to be more aware of the security and privacy risks these can hold.

"Using talking teddies to send a personalised message or a virtual hug might seem like another great way of showing your child you love them, but it’s often hard to understand how much data these devices capture and how securely it is protected.”

Parents and carers who would like to understand more about toys can sign up to the public lecture held at the Mathematics Institute in the Andrew Miles Building on Woodstock Road.

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Dr Nash added. “In a world where many families now have access to connected technologies, it’s paramount that we put children’s security first."

The lecture will be held from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, May 28.

To sign up to the free event, go to eventbrite.co.uk.