The new barbie is stirring up all kinds of controversy, as expected. The unexpected part is the main controversy isn't about Barbie's body style this time; instead, it is about a new feature Mattel is putting in Barbies. This new feature is an embedded microphone that can have actual conversations with kids.
In theory, this is a really cool idea. Many parents are looking at the ramifications of the Barbie's new microphone. The embedded microphone can ask questions and records the child's answer. These conversations are then stored in a cloud for two years. If parents choose to, they can have these conversations emailed to them each week.
One of the main problems that has been brought up is if Mattel is going to use this information for their own personal gain, such as for marketing purposes. If they can somehow use the information gained about the child's interests, then they can come up with a brilliant marketing campaign targeted toward children. Parents are saying this is an invasion of privacy, while Mattel is stating none of the information obtained is going to be used toward marketing strategies.
On top of the problem parents are seeing with this new Barbie doll, there are many questions. The biggest question is what is Mattel going to do if a child tells the Barbie doll they are being abused in any certain way? Are they obligated to tell the police? Will they have systems scanning for key words?
In order for parents to be OK with this new feature, Mattel is going to need to explain thouroughly what will and will not be used with the information obtained, if they even see this information. They also need to answer the question of what they will do if a child opens up to the Barbie doll about being abused.
What do you think about the new embedded microphone?
