sauce: http://sg.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20101208/ttc-tech-us-fbi-barbie-96247d2.html
FBI warns
Barbie doll could be used for child porn
By Dan Whitcomb
LOS ANGELES - The FBI has issued a "cyber crime alert" for a new
Barbie doll that comes equipped with a tiny hidden video camera in
her chest, saying the toy could be misused to make child porn.
The report, issued by the FBI's Sacramento field office November
30 and titled "Barbie 'Video Girl' a Possible Child Pornography
Production Method," warns that the doll's camera captures up to 30
minutes of footage that can be downloaded to a computer.
But an FBI spokeswoman downplayed the document, saying it was
intended for internal use by law enforcement, not the media, and
such warnings are not unusual. It was apparently sent to some news
organizations by mistake.
"There have been no reported incidents of this doll being used
as anything other than as intended," Washington-based FBI
spokeswoman Jenny Shearer said, reading from a prepared
statement.
"For clarification purposes, the alert's intent was to insure
that law enforcement agencies were aware that the doll, like any
other video-capable equipment, could contain evidence and to not
disregard such an item during a search," she said.
Shearer added that the Situational Information Report had been
"taken out of context" in the media and "our intent was to aid law
enforcement in evidence gathering."
The Barbie Video Girl Doll, which is manufactured by Mattel and
first went on sale in July, contains a small video camera in its
chest, concealed inside a locket.
Footage from the camera can be viewed on an LCD screen in the
doll's back or downloaded to a computer. The FBI alert said there
was no indication it could be streamed directly to the
Internet.
"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 said in a written statement provided to
Reuters.
"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," Mattel said.
According to the Mattel website, the doll, which sells for
$49.99, has been nominated for 2011 Toy of the Year.
"Girls can record and play back clips with this multi-tasking
doll, which has a video camera built right in," the website says in
part.
"Capture everything from a dolls-eye view and then watch it
instantly or upload to your computer. There's an LCD screen on
Barbie doll's back, and a camera lens hidden discreetly in her
necklace. Talk about making movies in style!"
This is funny 