6 December 2010 Last updated at 12:41 ET

FBI memo raises Barbie child pornography fears

The FBI is concerned the doll could get into the wrong hands

The FBI has raised concerns that a Barbie doll featuring a video camera could be used by paedophiles.

A memo to investigators warned that the Barbie Video Girl could be used for the "production and possession of child pornography".

An FBI spokeswoman said there had been no reported evidence that the doll, made by Mattell, had been used in any way other than intended.

The agency stressed the alert had been intended only for internal circulation.

It was issued by the Sacramento field office of the FBI, to raise awareness among investigators of "unconventional avenues" by which child pornography can be obtained, the spokeswoman added.

The Barbie Video Girl doll, which went on sale earlier in the year, can record up to 30 minutes of footage through a digital camera on its front.

The images can be viewed on the doll itself, or can be uploaded to a computer via USB cable.

Mattel said its products were "designed with children and their best interests in mind".

Its statement added: "Many of Mattel's employees are parents themselves and we understand the importance of child safety - it is our number one priority."