Authorities in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, are urging parents to monitor their children’s online activity, following an instance where a voice in popular children’s apps asked a 5-year-old user to take naked photos of themselves and their siblings in the bathtub, according to a report from WBAL.
The voice allegedly threatened them harm if they didn’t comply.
Authorities say they are investigating the “Talking Angela,” “Talking Angela 2,” “Talking Tom 2” and “Talking Ben 2” cell phone apps following a disturbing complaint form a parent last week.
“The parent reported that the app requested the child remove clothing and take photos while in the bathroom,” Anne Arundel County police Sgt. Kam Cooke said. “We are not really sure as to, did the app actually say that? Or was that some sort of other entity within that app that was able to request that?”
The apps, like “Talking Angela,” for example, involve a cartoon animal character that interacts with users.
Police are asking parents to report any suspicious activity regarding children’s smartphone apps.