Toys that interact with children listen for data


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NEW YORK — As technology moves forward there are impacts throughout different areas and now interactive technology, popular in the phone world, has moved to the world of toys.

Toys are getting high-tech, but these new responsive dolls and interactive gadgets could be vulnerable to hackers.

New technology is bringing the fantasy of "Toy Story" to life. They don't just talk to kids like a Furbie or Tickle Me Elmo — these toys interact.

"They're actually able to listen to the child and have a conversation the same way you'd have with a friend," said Julianne Pepitone, Tech Editor at NBCNews.com

Last week Mattel revealed a toy that uses Siri-like technology.

"Hello Barbie is an interactive toy that can listen and respond to what your child is saying and even remember conversations and make comments on them in the future," Pepitone said.

But to "remember" those conversations, the doll uses a Wi-FI connection to collect data on a server.

"Mattel has been very careful to note that parents will be told clearly which data will be collected and you need a password to be able to access that information," Pepitone said.

Other interactive toys might use Bluetooth technology or collect information from the web to answer questions. But the "cool factor" comes with a risk.

"As soon as you have information that's being stored there is a potential security issue there," Pepitone said.

Read the full story here.

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