‘Pokémon GO’: Government Considers Regulations Regarding Public Safety And Privacy Concerns For Popular App

Government regulations on Pokémon GO may be coming soon. The popularity of the monster-hunting app has brought to light many concerns regarding privacy and public safety. Some government officials have taken notice and are now considering whether governmental oversight is needed.

While the game has been applauded by fans as a fun way to get them more active and out of the house, there have been numerous instances where the app has led players into dangerous or unlawful situations.

According to Inquisitr, a New York man slammed his car into a tree because he was playing the game while driving, totaling his car while sustaining only minor injuries.

HeatStreet reports, “Two men sustained serious injuries and are facing possible charges after falling down a cliff in California chasing Pokemon and had to be rescued,” and “two teens were arrested in Toledo after jumping fence [sic] into the Toledo Zoo.”

Cemeteries in Modesto, California, and Buffalo, West Seneca, Hamburg, and Williamsville, New York, are reporting that Pokémon players are creating a nuisance on their grounds.

According to Fox News, large crowds of players, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, are “descending on sacred ground … leaving trash, trampling graves and disturbing funeral services.”

Even Arlington National Cemetery has had so much trouble with Pokémon GO players that it had to take to Facebook in an attempt to quell the issue.

“Out of respect for all those interred at Arlington National Cemetery, we require the highest level of decorum from our guests and visitors. Playing games such as ‘Pokemon Go’ [sic] on these hallowed grounds would not be deemed appropriate. We request that visitors to ANC refrain from such activity. Thank you.”

Fox News also reported that the military’s Joint Base Lewis-McChord, which houses U.S. Army Special Forces, pleaded with Pokémon GO players using Facebook as well.

https://www.facebook.com/JBLewisMcChord/photos/a.303359376198.152088.288818151198/10153490511346199/?type=3&theater

Although the base did not come out condemning Pokémon GO players, it did warn players to use common sense and exercise caution when playing.

In fact, the base is surprisingly enthusiastic about the game with one Facebook post that reads, “STRAIGHT TALK: What’s the most surprising Pokémon gym you’ve found?”

https://www.facebook.com/JBLewisMcChord/posts/10153505867921199

However, in light of the sufficient negative attention Pokémon GO has received, a few government officials have come forward to say that it may be time to create some regulation of the game.

HeatStreet reports that Brooklyn Assemblyman Felix Ortiz claims that Nintendo needs to take “corporate responsibility” since the app seems to be the cause of situations that “could have tragic real-world consequences.”

Ortiz is no stranger to passing on the blame for poor decisions made by consumers to corporations and regulating things that he views as vices. He was the leader of the New York campaigns “against sugar, alcohol, and strip clubs” in the name of public safety.

Gotta regulate 'em all? New York eyes #PokemonGo public safety legislation https://t.co/sM1YVx3Y7N | Getty pic.twitter.com/UzLpQAWiwd

— POLITICO (@politico) July 14, 2016

Pokémon GO is also facing government regulation at the federal level. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) has been looking into privacy concerns regarding the app.

Upon launch, the app granted itself full privileges to users’ Google accounts, including read and write permissions to Gmail. According to Apple Insider, developers at Niantic have addressed and fixed this issue with version 1.0.1 of the game. However, even with the Google permissions problem fixed, the game still has access to a lot of user information. There can be legitimate concerns if this information is ever misused.

HeatStreet also stated that Franken had penned a letter to Niantic “asking them how much information they’re collecting from users, and what they plan to do with that information.”

Niantic has not yet responded to Senator Franken’s questions. However, a reply from the game studio is expected to be forthcoming. A failure by Niantic to thoughtfully answer the senator’s request could find them facing congressional hearings on the matter if Franken chooses to pursue it.

Whether Pokémon GO will end up facing government regulations or restrictions remains to be seen. However, the craze is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon. As the fad pushes on, the chances of “death by Pokémon,” as Gerry Beyer, professor of law at Texas Tech University, put it to Times Live, will continue to increase. So far, those involved in Pokémon GO-related incidents have gotten lucky, but it is only a matter of time before someone’s luck runs out.

[Photo by Olivia Harris/Getty Images]