10 safety tips when playing Pokemon Go

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued general security guidelines for the public concerning Pokemon Go, urging players to be constantly aware of their surroundings and the sensitivities of the local community.

In a statement issued here today, MCMC said the decision to issue the guidelines was to prevent any undesirable incidents such as robberies, burglaries or injuries.

The guidelines were issued following concern expressed by certain parties and after unwanted incidences arising from people playing the game which is based on augmented reality which had swept through more than 70 countries in the world.

The MCMC said the move was also in line with the safety guidelines issued in other countries concerning the game.

The guidelines contained tips for players, including the importance of protecting personal information, respecting the sensitivities of places of worship, a reminder not to enter prohibited and dangerous premises, and the need to be cautious of strangers.

The guidelines also stressed on the need for the players to be careful of scams which could be online or offline.

This was because the use of applications to upload the Pokemon Go game could expose the players to malware attacks.

"The MCMC wants to stress that the choice to play Pokemon Go is in their hands. However, every player must be aware of their surroundings," the statement said.

Here are the 10 things outlined in the safety guidelines:

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1. Protect your private information.

The game requires you to register and share private information besides using the Global Positioning System (GPS). Consider if you are willing to expose your private information. Parents should be aware that their children's data are taken when they play Pokemon Go.

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2. Be care of frauds online or offline.

Be careful about false mobile applications and suspicious tools which are online and offered to you. This is because such applications can expose you to malware.

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3. Monitor the amount of money you spend when making purchases through mobile applications, they may be very costly.

There are purchases which can be made through mobile applications with other incentives that can reach as high as US$99.99 or RM403.86 (14,500 shillingPoke). Therefore, always be aware of what you spend.

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4. Data connection.

Pokemon Go will make use of GPS and data connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data either 3G or 4G) to get the latest information on the situation around you and this is likely to affect your mobile data quota.

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5. Bring along extra battery for your phone.

Pokemon Go will consume a lot of your phone's battery. As such bring along your battery charger or power source and be prepared to contact family members in case of an emergency.

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6. Do not enter danger areas, protected areas or places of worship, respect the privacy of these areas.

Do not wander or enter danger areas and prohibited areas or places of worship in order to catch Pokemon.

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7. Beware of individuals who want to meet up with you.

Do not play alone or agree to meet with strangers while playing the game.

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8. Be careful when playing and do not ride a bicycle or motorcycle or drive a car while using your phone

Be careful when using your phone and do not ride a bicycle, motorcycle, or drive a car while playing Pokemon Go or sending text messages to your friends and family members.

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9. Any party with concerns on Pokemon Go security and sensitivity issues should contact the party which developed the game at the following address:

Niantic,Inc.

2 Bryant Street

Suite 220, San Francisco, CA 94105

Amerika Syarikat

Website: http://www.nianticlabs.com

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10. To report on issues concerning PokeStop or Gym

Https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/221968408Reporting-PokeStop-orGym-Issues