A new danger is haunting the internet these days and leaving parents worried about what their kids watch on YouTube. That's because, the so-called "Momo", a macabre doll, has been encouraging children to self-mutilation, homicide and even suicide.
Well, all the controversy around "Momo" came up in the last year. At the time, it all started with a phone number, which sent messages to those who contacted him. First, a picture of a woman with big eyes, long hair, a wide smile and birdlike legs was sent.
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The number, which by the country code, is from China, called itself “Momo”. In addition, the messages contained personal information, such as address, full name and other information, which left people scared.
However, the case became controversial when “Momo” decided to challenge the curious to commit suicide, homicides, and made a series of threats based on the user's personal information.
Although many people were afraid of something supernatural, the real danger was elsewhere. According to specialists, “Momo” obtained the information by the telephone number of the people, through a bot that crossed the data with social networks linked to the number. Therefore, the real danger was the leakage of personal data.
However, at the beginning of the year the character returned, with a new target audience. Several parents and YouTube users are reporting that the character appears in random videos on the YouTube Kids platform, which has exclusive content aimed at children.
The complaints are that “Momo” appears in videos in the middle of the content. She gives clear instructions for children to slit their wrists, kill their siblings, commit suicide and murder.
The character's appearance has left children scared and parents worried about what the little ones are having access to on the famous video platform. However, according to a note published by YouTube, no evidence of the challenge was found on the site.
Even so, still in a note, the company asks users to report any content containing the “Momo challenge”.
Unfortunately, this is not the first similar case on the platform. Over the past year, a number of parents have also come forward and reported suicide instructions appearing in videos on YouTube Kids.
Despite all the supernatural and frightening appeal surrounding the doll, it is nothing more than a sculpture. The work was created by the Japanese company Link Factory, and was exhibited at the “Vanilla Gallery”. The gallery is known for alternative and gruesome material.