Spy Barbie Doll

Internet-connected toys such as "Hello Barbie" can be used under the proposed "Snooper's Charter."

15:42 11 December 2015

An expert told a House of Commons committee that Internet-connected toys such as "Hello Barbie" would be permitted targets for the security services. This means that the proposed set of laws can force manufacturers to hack into internet-connection equipment. The new hacking power could also extend to several household devices and gadgets including smart TVs and smart fridges, which are also connected to the internet.

 

Ministers say they need the power to hack into the phones and computers of terror suspects.

 

Antony Walker, of industry body techUK, said: “A range of devices that have been in the news recently, in relation to a hack, are children’s toys, that children can interact with,” Mr Walker told the Commons science committee.

 

“These are devices that may sit in a child’s bedroom but are accessible.

 

“In theory, the manufacturer of those products could be the subject of a warrant (from the security services) to enable equipment interference with those devices.”

 

Mr Walker then asked the MPs to carefully consider where the line should be drawn before Snooper’s Charter becomes law.

 

“The potential extent is something that needs to be carefully considered when we start to think about not just the world today, but the world in five or 10 years’ time,” he said.