"Hello Barbie" Listens And Learns

Eavesdropping Barbie, which labeled by some as creepy, records conversations and talks.

11:16 13 March 2015

A new Barbie doll, which has the ability to record everything said by its owner and make chatty responses, isn’t gaining any popularity with privacy advocates who describe the new toy as “creepy.” 

 

Susan Linn, director of Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, urged Mattel to scrap the product that “creates a host of dangers of children and families.”

 

The doll features a microphone, voice-recognition software, and the ability to listen. It transmits audio to a cloud server with just one press of a button on its belt buckle. The speech is then recorded and processed. However, parents are given the options to receive regular emails containing the audio files of their child’s interaction with Hello Barbie. 

 

Mattel said that the doll will keep learning about its owner in order to offer a more engaging experience. 

 

Susan Linn said in a statement: "Kids using Hello Barbie aren't only talking to a doll.

 

"They are talking directly to a toy conglomerate whose only interest in them is financial.

 

"It's creepy - and creates a host of dangers for children and families."

 

The toy will be available in stores this autumn with $74.99 price tag.