20/02/2017 (Agence Europe) – German regulators have banned the internet-connected doll "Cayla" because it can be used to spy on people. On Friday 17 February, BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation, immediately welcome the move and urged the authorities in other EU member states to do likewise. Last December, BEUC wrote to the European Commission, European data protection authorities and to the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) following an alarming study which revealed that this doll infringed children’s privacy rights and could potentially threaten their safety (see EUROPE 11683). “If connected toys, such as this speaking doll, can be hacked to spy on or talk to children, they must be banned. Other EU countries should follow the example of the German regulator and ban this product from the market”, said BEUC Director General Monique Goyens. (AN)