Pokemon Go warnings

Gamers playing the new Pokemon Go augmented reality mobile game online are being warned they could be at risk from cyber crime. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // Gamers playing the new Pokemon Go augmented reality mobile game online are being warned they could be at risk from cyber crime.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of the UAE has issued a warning regarding the hugely popular game that is thought to have attracted 9.5 million daily players worldwide.

Regulators claim it is putting users at risk of hackers and criminals and have listed warnings to help keep players safe - particularly children.

“Criminals can use the app’s geolocation features to target the victims. Those features alongside the phone’s camera make users vulnerable to hackers attacks” said the TRA in a statement.

Pokemon Go is not available in all international markets which is forcing users to illegally download, putting their phones at risk.

The warning was issued in the light of the growing popularity of online games, especially Pokemon Go.

According to the TRA, the game allows criminal elements, like hackers, to spy on them and know when players are in isolated places-giving them the opportunity to rob them of their possessions or cause further harm.

Using a phone’s camera, augmented reality captured on the screen becomes a mixture of real life integrated with elements of virtual reality. This technology is being used in different areas, entertainment, games, engineering, health and education.

“Some of these virtual reality games depend on new geo-positioning technology to track the locations of users and tap into their smart phone cameras, which makes the privacy of users open to predators,” said Eng Mohamed Al Zarooni, TRA director of policy and programs.

“The TRA is warning all smart mobile and device users against using these applications in sensitive private places to ensure that their privacy and safety is secure.”

Al Zarooni said virtual reality games can be entertaining and educational, if used in the proper way, and can be used to visit, learn and discover new places.

The TRA added that using these virtual-reality games with geo-positioning technology can result in the invasion of user privacy and make users vulnerable to criminal software, phishing scams and malware that clones games. Although not officially available in the region, thousands are thought to have illegally downloaded the game.

Warnings have been sounded about using AR games that use a mobile phone’s camera near government buildings and restricted areas.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry has warned gamers against taking pictures of any vital government, military or security location and said users not to pounce on Pikachus or chase Charmanders at mosques, shopping centers, malls and oil installations.

Adel Al Muhairi, manager, National Computer Emergency Response Team, TRA, said: “The engrossment of game users into these games could possibly lead them to unknown places where unlawful criminals could be waiting for them.

“These games could also cause injury if used while driving or walking. The proper use of virtual reality technology offers many beneficial features and advantages, yet, if it is not used correctly, it could have negative repercussions.”

Al Muhairi called on parents to join their children in discovering these new tech games to learn more about them so they can evaluate the dangers. He also asked to avoid using the camera options for these games, especially while at home. He encouraged parents to decide on what games are appropriate for the age groups of their children.

Abu Dhabi Police has also issued guidance to gamers using Pokemon Go to be aware of their surroundings whilst staring at their screens, particularly when crossing the road or when near traffic.