If that's the best they can do, I think it's time for them to get a real job.


http://tinyurl.com/2aunlr2

FBI: New Barbie Could Be Used for Child Porn 

 

Hugh Collins Contributor

AOL News

(Dec. 4) -- The FBI is warning that a new Barbie doll could be a gift -- to pedophiles.

In an alert sent to investigators, the feds warned that the new Barbie Video Girl, which features a camera and an LCD screen, could be used to create child pornography.

The camera is capable of filming clips as long as 30 minutes, according to CNN.

The FBI says that the doll is safe if used properly, and it has not encountered any instances of the doll being used to create pornography.

"Law enforcement is encouraged to be aware of unconventional avenues for possible production and possession of child pornography, such as the Barbie Video Girl," the document read.

"FBI investigation has revealed instances where an individual convicted of distributing child pornography had given a Barbie doll to a 6-year-old girl," the alert said.

The doll, which retails for $49.99, comes with a USB cable to upload videos to a computer. Investigators say that the combination of a doll packaged with a video camera raises worries.

"It's probably a great selling point for kids but something that a child pornographer could convert to his nefarious activities," said Sgt. John Urquhart with the King County, Wash., sheriff's office, according to local TV station KOMO 4.

The doll's camera does not have the capability to stream videos online.

The FBI never intended for the alert to become public, but it was inadvertently sent to news media in Seattle.

The doll "plays into these people who prey upon our children's ideals. It frightens me," William Porres, a Tacoma, Wash., grandfather, told a local CNN affiliate.

Barbie Video Girl has been nominated for the 2011 Toy of the Year Award. It is aimed at kids aged 6 and up, according to toymaker Mattel's website.

"Capture everything from a doll's-eye-view, then watch it instantly or upload to your computer," the website says. "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!"

The company has downplayed the alert, saying that the danger is theoretical.

"The FBI is not reporting that anything has happened," Mattel said in a statement, according to The Washington Post. "We understand the importance of child safety -- it is our number one priority."

 

 

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