German parents told to destroy Cayla dolls over hacking fears

BBC ^ | 2-17-2017 | BBC

[Colonel Kangaroo]

An official watchdog in Germany has told parents to destroy a talking doll called Cayla because its smart technology can reveal personal data.

The warning was issued by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), which oversees telecommunications. Researchers say hackers can use an unsecure bluetooth device embedded in the toy to listen and talk to the child playing with it.

But the UK Toy Retailers Association said Cayla "offers no special risk".

In a statement sent to the BBC, the TRA also said "there is no reason for alarm".

The Vivid Toy group, which distributes My Friend Cayla, has previously said that examples of hacking were isolated and carried out by specialists. However, it said the company would take the information on board as it was able to upgrade the app used with the doll.

The Cayla doll can respond to a user's question by accessing the internet. For example, if a child asks the doll "what is a little horse called?" the doll can reply "it's called a foal".

[Colonel Kangaroo]

When I was growing up, the girls had Chatty Cathy, but unlike Cayla, Cathy could keep secrets.

[SaveFerris]

[48th SPS Crusader]

“offers no special risk”.

So its just regular run of the mill risk then?

[Scrambler Bob]

Sprinkle some of these Caylas around different ‘interesting’ areas.

Like Comet Pizza ...

[Smittie]

Reminds me of a Twilight Zone episode...

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

My name is Talking Tina and YOU HAD BETTER BE NICE TO ME!

[Colonel Kangaroo]

All ready to spill the beans to Aunt Angela in Berlin.

[oldtech]

I can maybe see something like this happening......”Hi,my name is Cayla. Do you have any state secrets?” No. “Do you wish to buy some?”

[LeoTDB69]

“what is a little horse called?”

While the Cayla stand-up comedian version responds “A sore throat” *drum roll*

[MrEdd]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzNFwxsSPwU

As it ever was.

[SaveFerris]

Leni Riefenstahl Merkel probably wants another film....

What could possibly go wrong with an eavesdropping doll? - time for Nully’s Big Ears pic. 1984....

I’m surprised Obama didn’t give these away with Obamaphones....

[null and void]

;

At no point in history has any government ever wanted its people to be defenseless for any good reason ~ nully's son

The biggest killer of mankind

Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping!

To get onto The Nut-job Conspiracy Theory Ping List you must threaten to report me to the Mods if I don't add you to the list...

[BlackVeil]

I have always found dolls creepy.

Now, I feel quite justified in that opinion.

[Nifster]

Hmmmm

[Disambiguator]

Didn’t people have similar concerns with Furbys? Hard to believe those have been around for almost 20 years.

[SaveFerris]

[I have always found dolls creepy.]

Right there with ya, lol.

Even George Constanza had a problem with a doll.

The doll was telling him how to eat!

[SaveFerris]

Them’ some big ears!

[BBell]

[independentmind]

This is a creepy story.

[Smittie]

Can you imagine a parent about to destroy the doll and the doll tells them, “I’m talking Cayla and I’m going to kill you!”?