-
Mattel's new News Anchor Barbie (L) and Computer Engineer Barbie - Source: Reuters
Barbie has embraced technology, with the latest doll featuring an inbuilt camera which allows children to film themselves and others playing.
But with the footage able to be uploaded to the internet, child safety advocates are worried about where the video may end up.
The Barbie Video Girl doll has a small colour LCD screen in her back and can record up to 30 minutes of video, which can be uploaded to a computer and then the web.
Clinical psychologist Sally-Anne McCormack is calling for parents to boycott the product.
"Essentially, it's a hidden camera. Children don't look at video clips the way that adults do, and there might be inappropriate shots that they upload on to YouTube," she said.
However, Forbes blogger Kashmir Hill said putting cameras in the hands of children is not a particularly novel concept with many children owning or having access to iPods, cameras, and cellphones.
"My colleagues have noted that most parents are spying on their kids via Facebook. Now kids will have a way to spy back. Watch out, parents!"
