Be knowledgeable about possible additional expenses.
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Rachel Kurzius, associate editor of the DCist, joined Sputnik Radio’s Unanimous Dissent on Monday to discuss data privacy issues accompanying the phenomenon, including that only Apple iOS users, not Android users, gave the company “full access permission” through their use of the game.
Privacy: Users must allow the app to access other applications, such as maps and the camera. After playing for hours every day, consumers with limited data plans may find themselves with a hefty bill at the end of the month. Many users sign in with a Google account, and that has caused some concerns about privacy. Niantic, the developer behind the game, was quick to explain that this was nothing more than a bug, and that the app only ever had access to basic information, such as a player’s name and email address. Oh, and it also asks new user to provide “all access” to their Google accounts upon download.
Malware: So far, the app is only available in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand, which has given cybercriminals an opportunity to capitalize on the demand. A malware version of the game has been found online; although no known infections have been reported. Unlike most apps, Pokemon Go involves leaving the house, and it has already been downloaded 7.5 million times, nearly overtaking Twitter in users.
The game now populates “Pokéstops” and “gyms”, real-world locations that users physically have to navigate to in order to play the game, using points of interest in Google Maps. Players should be cautious as pedestrians and obey all traffic laws, and drivers should be on the lookout for players who might be distracted by the game. The hunt to catch Pikachu and other virtual creatures has already lured gamers into the hands of armed robbers and has turned private residences and sacred sites into “Pokestops”, or virtual magnets for gamers.
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Meanwhile, if the government or Niantic staff would like to know where state senatorial candidates Jane Kim and Scott Wiener are at this precise moment, they can: The two have agreed to play Pokémon Go against each other, which isn’t pandering for the Millennial vote at all.
