In a recent wave of disclosures, Edward Snowden released documents claiming the National Security Agency has monitored VTech users for “any suspicious activity” dating back to 1976, the year the electronic learning product company was founded.
VTech has not issued an official response, but device owners have been quick to voice their reactions.
Three-year-old Helen from the UK says: “Just when you think it’s safe to play educational games to make learning fun — you start to wonder: is this surveillance about protecting national security, or part of a plan to recruit the next generation of elite minds for a secret government program?”
Helen’s father, Dave Phillips, adds: “Personally, I’m okay with the NSA watching my daughter’s activities. The UK government’s mandatory internet filters have been a disaster, so it’s a relief not to have to constantly monitor what she’s doing.”
VTech’s new InnoTab 3S lists several key features:
- Kid Connect — lets children stay in touch with friends using voice messages.
- Wonder Cam — supports the popular selfie trend and encourages creative expression among young users. It does not include filters.
- Integrated Web Browser — provides internet access when built-in apps don’t meet a child’s learning needs.
TelecomsTech encountered a self-described security expert at a local pub who commented on the NSA’s capabilities: “We all hear about gangs influencing young people — the NSA says monitoring voice communications has stopped toys from being shared in ways that could lead to problems. Who knows how that can escalate to something worse… and I’m inclined to believe them.”
When asked for more details, the source was escorted out by what appeared to be her own security detail, cutting the conversation short.
VTech’s tablet includes a game called “My Magic Beanstalk,” described by the company as: “Kids play and grow their beanstalk over time. In this fun, interactive game, kids care for the beanstalk by watering it to make it grow. They’ll harvest and collect beans, learn parts of plants, and earn trophies along the way. Players can connect wirelessly to VTech’s Learning Lodge to get water and fertilizer to grow different beans.”
Some readers have joked that “My Magic Beanstalk” has been repurposed by the NSA to evaluate children’s agricultural skills, supposedly in preparation for a future in which climate change forces drastic survival measures.
Disclaimer: To be clear, this article was fictional and published as an April Fools’ piece in 2014.