One of the more unusual bits of Barbie Typewriter lore was that in at least one instance, an ultra-right wing terrorist cell based in Northern Ireland was using

One of the more unusual bits of Barbie Typewriter lore was that in at least one instance, an ultra-right wing terrorist cell based in Northern Ireland was using these for communication[1]. No indication if the cell was utilizing the "encryption" capabilities of the Barbie typewriter or just putting it to work as the cheapest, most disposable means of conveying demands but the Barbie logo makes an amusing juxtaposition to the operator's violent history (including 72(!) prior convictions). Every time this story surfaces, part of me wants to believe that someone somewhere is still using substitution cyphers for serious ends. [1] https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/jailed-gang-who-used-barbie-typewriter-and-bullets-to-blackmail-victims-out-of-15k-29285194.html https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/jai...