Disney withdraws from mobile merchandising deals


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The issue of the safety of mobile phones – specifically with regard to usage by children – is back in the headlines again. In an unprecedented move, the Walt Disney Corporation has backed out of lucrative licensing deals that would have allowed mobiles and accessories in the UK to be branded with popular characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The decision was taken on the basis that enough is not yet known about the likely effects of low intensity radio waves on children’s developing brains.

A spokesman for Disney Consumer Products was quoted in the national press as explaining, ‘Because the well-being of our customers is our priority, we have decided to discontinue the licensing of our characters for use on cellular telephones until there is reliable scientific evidence establishing the absence of any such risk.’

The announcement coincided with the publication in the Lancet of recent findings by a British scientist who warned that children using mobile phones could be at risk of ‘memory loss, sleeping disorders and other health problems.’ The same article also pointed out, ‘If mobile phones were a type of food, they simply would not licensed because there is so much uncertainly surrounding their safety.’

In light of the continuing doubt and uncertainty over this issue, the government has set up a new task force with a remit to investigate the possible dangers of mobile phones and has earmarked a budget of £7 million.

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