No More Pokemon Go Inside Military Camps - Philippine Army
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
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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.
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
“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