Mattel, the makers of the ever-so-popular Barbie doll, have come up with a new super creepy toy just in time for the holidays, the “Video Girl” Barbie. Essentially this Barbie has a built-in hidden camera on her chest and a small LCD screen for …
… video display inside her back that can record up to thirty minutes of footage.
The FBI is freaking out a little bit. They are concerned that pedophiles will use the doll for child pornography. While the FBI has yet to cite any misuse of the doll they feel they need to inform law agencies of the possibility.
While I can understand the concern – it’s an odd idea for a doll – I really don’t think this new Barbie is that big of a deal. I am way more worried about Barbie’s impossible dimensions and the possibility of little girls wanting to live up to that body standard then the rare prospect of a pedophile smuggling a Barbie doll into a kids room and then smuggling it back out again to watch the footage. It seems a little farfetched, but perhaps I am being naïve.
When asked for a comment, Mattel had this to say:
“The FBI is not reporting that anything has happened. Steve Dupre from the FBI Sacramento field office has confirmed there have been no incidents of this doll being used as anything other than its intent. Mattel products are 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,” the statement said.
So, if you’re thinking of being Video Girl for the little person in your life, I guess you might want to rethink it?
