Consumer Group Says Doll Can Be Used To Spy On Kids

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There are concerns about a toy some children may want for the holidays.

The watchdog group, Electronic Privacy Information Center, has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission over the "My Friend Cayla" doll.

The complaint alleges the product, made by Genesis Toys, might be recording conversations and sending the data to Nuance Communications, a speech-to-text software company that apparently has contracts with military and law enforcement agencies, CBS News reported.

"The use of children's voice and text information to enhance products and services sold to military, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies creates a substantial risk of harm because children may be unfairly targeted by these organizations if their voices are inaccurately matched to recordings obtained by these organizations," the complaint reads.

The dolls also seek personal information from children, including where they go to school and where they live, according to the complaint. There are also concerns that the dolls can be hacked, and that the toy is advertising Disney products with pre-programmed phrases.

Genesis Toys had not yet responded to the allegations.

"We have made and will continue to make data privacy a priority," Nuance said, adding that the company hasn't received an inquiry from the FTC.