Securing Play: Safe Digital Integration in Toys with a Focus on Student Privacy

At a recent talent development workshop led by the University of Copenhagen, students from Oerestad Gymnasium explored the integration of digital technology into traditional toys, with a core focus on data security and privacy. This workshop empowered young innovators to create toys and games that harness digital tools, all while prioritizing the safeguarding of user data.

The students developed prototypes that illustrate how privacy-focused technology can enhance play. One such invention was a teddy bear that lights up based on data from the internet, including calendar events and weather updates, while utilizing secure protocols to ensure data remains private and accessible only to the user. Another inventive creation was CryptoBall, a Bluetooth-connected ball that lets players encode and decode messages for discreet communication. This technology was designed with data encryption in mind, allowing for secure, private interactions between users.

Through these projects, the workshop highlighted the importance of designing digital toys that respect privacy, ensuring a safe environment for students. With an emphasis on secure communication and responsible data handling, the initiative sets a new standard in digital toy innovation, blending interactivity with robust privacy protections.