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FBI Says Video Barbie Girl Could Be Used for 'Child Pornography Production'
When we got our hands on the new Barbie Video Girl a few months ago, we sort of knew that the camera-equipped doll could give rise to a whole new era of kiddie voyeurism. Little did we know, though, that it could spawn a whole new era of homemade kiddie porn, as well.Yet that's exactly what the FBI is worried about, according to a new memo (PDF) that describes the toy as a "possible child pornography production method." As Washington's KIRO TV reports, the FBI is apparently concerned that child pornographers could take advantage of the doll's hidden camera to sexually exploit young children. The camera, conveniently nestled within Barbie's cleavage, can capture up to 30 minutes of video footage, which users can then upload to their computers, via the accompanying USB key. (TechCrunch's Paul Carr, it should be noted, saw these concerns coming a few months ago, when he declared the toy perfect for "frickin' pedophiles!")
Barbie manufacturer Mattel, however, doesn't seem too concerned about the toy's potential for misuse. "The FBI is not reporting that anything has happened," the company said in a statement, adding that its toys are always "designed with children and their best interests in mind. Many of Mattel's employees are parents themselves and we understand the importance of child safety – it is our number one priority."
Some parents have indeed expressed concern over the toy, but that hasn't stopped many others from grabbing one for their own children. A reporter from CBS Sacramento recently discovered that a local Walmart had already sold all of its Barbie Video Girls, and that the doll was sold out online, as well. Parental caution, of course, is always understandable. But for now, at least, it seems like Barbie's star power still outweighs everything else.
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Comments
66
Subscribe to commentsjsnow155Dec 3rd 2010 5:23PM
It makes one wonder what kind of people are in the FBI if this is how their minds work.
johnDec 5th 2010 8:52AM
@jsnow155 well bro which would you rather have a bunch of people who actually think ahead of the curve and attempt to warn parents that this could happen before it does or people who wait till some perv actually does it then say oh we didnt know this could happen. The FBI think this way because they have seen how a pedophile works. They know what a pedo would be thinking and that they very well could buy this doll, wire it up inside to broadcast to their computer and give it to a little girl they know keeps her barbies on a shelf in clear view of where she changes. its not hard to look into a little girl's first story window before doing something like this. The best thing to do is if your child wants one of these buy it yourself keep it where you can see it at all times and make sure your child is supervised while using it.
DarrellDec 5th 2010 9:18AM
@jsnow155
boobooDec 5th 2010 4:14PM
@jsnow155
I agree with you, and not only that with this site and the news talking about it, it ALSO has opened up a new can of worms for them, they will NOW go out and buy it now, thanks to this site making it news this is why to much info in the info generation is bad..shame
BDec 5th 2010 3:28PM
@jsnow155
It was first brought up on WPIX 2 weeks ago. Mothers were outraged! The minds of the FBI think like a pervert to hopefully be able to stop what they are capable of! You won't be questioning them a month after Christmas then what they say come to pass!!!!!!
maribelv007Dec 5th 2010 5:32PM
@jsnow155 I agree....
whatithinik2010Dec 6th 2010 1:19AM
@jsnow155
people that know what happens and altered. They are right, and if they don't say anything they would be wrong.
LitaDec 6th 2010 2:21AM
@jsnow155 -- It is the law enforcement's ability to think like a terrorist that thwarts the damage that terrorists have the potential to do. Or do you think that they should wait until after an attack to act? Perhaps you want to wait until a child is raped or appears in a kiddie porn before action is taken. Please tell me you don't have children; you would be better off raising a chia pet. Children everywhere (and those who seek to protect them) would thank you.
WillDec 3rd 2010 5:31PM
The FBI just gave a lot of pedophiles a great idea.
JenDec 6th 2010 11:21AM
@Will
Agreed. I'd never even thought of the product being used that way until I saw this article. Nice job handing pedos some new ideas, FBI...
MariaDec 6th 2010 1:28AM
@Will You are absolutely right. Most of the time its the articles and news that criminals get ideas from. I once red an article about "The 10 best hiding places for your valuables." The crooks must sit back and laugh as they read these things...
Don OberlohDec 7th 2010 6:30AM
@Will , I really don't think that the FBI has cornered the market on bad thoughts. Pedo's will always use what ever means to violate children.
rjDec 8th 2010 11:50AM
@Will
John F.C. TaylorDec 5th 2010 7:49AM
A sad comment on the state of modern society when a child's toy can be turned into something to be feared by adults.
Terri SutherlandDec 5th 2010 8:14AM
Those scum are going to molest children no matter what. Sometimes we have to go on living our lives normally and just keep catching the bad guys. We shouldn't have to always live in fear of things like this Barbie and 'what would the pedophile do?'
RonDec 5th 2010 8:26AM
Will, don't you mean the FBI and the NEWS MEDIA who has the whole damn Country scared to death.
maribelv007Dec 5th 2010 5:44PM
@john regardless of how much thinking they need 2 start finding these pervs instead of lookin in to barbie dolls just sayin.....
evilshadowlurksDec 5th 2010 7:58PM
@john
I feel they should think ahead with the boys helicopter toy with cam, pedophiles may use that fly it around watching youngins as well.
kennyDec 5th 2010 9:14AM
If a molester is found guilty by a court of law 100% with no doubts .It should be executed on live TV .The word would get out and soon just like magic the assault rate would drop .It's a fitting punishment for violating the 2 most prescious things on earth ...Children & Women
billy112140Dec 5th 2010 10:02AM
@kenny Looks like your trying to find a more exciting realty show.