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No More Pokemon Go Inside Military Camps - Philippine Army

A new mobile app called Pokemon Go is taking the world by storm, Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game launched by Niantic two months ago here in the Philippines. Since its launch, many Filipino fanatics have already engaged in playing the said game.

The game uses phone screen and cameras as the main tools to allow players to search and capture virtual critters knows as Pokemon.The critters can be found at PokeStops in the real world, in real time. When a Pokemon is captured, it can then be trained and brought into battle.

Another feature of the app is it also provide “gyms” in the game which can be found in local landmarks and popular public areas such as malls, parks and etc., where players can battle with each other.

Recently the Philippine Army has published a directive prohibiting its personnel from playing Pokemon Go inside its camps. According to Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano, a directive has been issued to all service personnel, which strictly banned soldiers and officers from playing the Pokemon Go while in the military camps.
The game was banned in the military areas since it involves taking pictures of prominent base facilities including restricted and private areas. It also depends on Geo-positioning technology to provide the exact location where the scene was taken, through the use of smartphones, which transfer the picture of these sites to third parties.
Ano also said that men in uniform have also been reminded to be wary of any third party applications or services looking to assist users’ search. “Security researchers have discovered a unique ransomware variant posing as a Pokemon Go Application for Windows,” he added.
According to Lt Gen Ano is the obvious risks posed by the game to players the need to look on their smartphones while walking, running or when crossing the streets.
Another concern regarding playing the said game is that, the app is reported to have “full access” to personal Google accounts without user authorization for those who have downloaded and installed the app. According to reports, the “full access” allows Niantic to read the user’s email, send messages on their behalf, access Google drive documents and more.
The Armed forces of other countries, including the USA, Iran, Singapore, Canada and Israel have also expressed concern regarding the possible threat posed by Pokemon Go regarding military installation’s security.

 “Military personnel are also advised to report to the Intelligence Division if they can still detect Pokemon stops and gyms inside a military camp for their subsequent request for their removal.” Army Chief Ano. 

Sources:  DWDD / PIA
Photo credit : BrokenNews
Contributor : R. Corpuz