Mattel’s “Hello Barbie”

A new high-tech Barbie has sparked a furious outcry from the advocacy group Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood. Through a Wi-Fi connection and a built-in microphone, the new Barbie is able to hold conversations with a child. Critics, in addition to the privacy concerns, are worried that Mattel is exploiting the children and using them for financial gain because they can learn the child’s likes and dislikes. Mattel counters that there are safety precautions put in place and that the toy fills a niche for children who want to be able to speak with their Barbie.