CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some are criticizing a new hi-tech Barbie doll that they said could lead to spying or stalking children.
The technology could give companies, advertisers and criminals too much information about children and their families.
Hello Barbie with built in Wi-Fi and a microphone will hit shelves this fall.
A child will be able to press a button on Barbie's belt, she'll ask questions, record the answers and send that data to a server where a company, ToyTalk, will process the information so the doll can really connect with that child.
That could mean storing the child's name, hobbies, habits and anything else a child may tell the doll.
"I definitely wouldn't buy it for my granddaughters," said parent Tamala Hook.
"That's a no, a big no," said parent Jewel Pearson.
In fact, concerns over Hello Barbie lit up the web and social media these last few days, with words like "spying," "creepy" and "eavesdropping."
The group, Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, even started a petition asking Barbie's maker, Mattel, not to make Hello Barbie.
CCFC reported more than 5,400 signatures by late afternoon Tuesday.
The Better Business Bureau is urging Mattel to rethink the doll, too.
"It can become basically stalker Barbie instead of just a doll with a neat, new technology attached to it," BBB President Tom Bartholomy said.
ToyTalk emailed Action 9, "ToyTalk technology was designed from day one with privacy and security in mind. Our products meet or exceed the requirements of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act and have been certified as such by the independent verification program kidSAFE+. As parents ourselves, with a career-long commitment to family entertainment, safety is a priority for the company. Conversations recorded through ToyTalk's products are never used for advertising, marketing, or publicity purposes."
LINK: ToyTalk statement about Hello Barbie
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