SACRAMENTO—As previously reported by AVN, the Mattel Corporation has produced something innovative in the seemingly endless stream of Barbie dolls: The Barbie Video Girl. Seems that for about $50, you can buy a Barbie doll with a video camera concealed in her necklace, and using controls on her back, kids can record soundless videos of their friends, which they can play back on an LCD screen also affixed to Barbie's back.
And now the FBI has issued a warning about it.
"Barbie 'Video Girl' a Possible Child Pornography Production Method," reads the title of an FBI Cyber Crime Alert issued from the Sacramento Field Office dated November 30, 2010.
"The doll can capture thirty minutes of footage," the Alert reports, "and the videos are downloadable to a computer through a MiniUSB port and cable. Proprietary video editing software is not required, and the videos can be copied to a computer. Additionally, you can stream from Video Girl live to your computer using 'computer mode,' but there is currently not yet any indication that you can stream directly to the Internet. ... Law enforcement is encouraged to be aware of unconventional avenues for the possible production and possession of child pornography, such as Barbie Video Girl."
Mattel, needless to say, is less than happy with the FBI issuing such a warning.
"The FBI is not reporting that anything has happened," the company noted in an emailed statement. "Steve Dupre from the FBI Sacramento field office has confirmed there have been no incidents of this doll being used as anything other than as intended. 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."
