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Tribune News Network
Doha
exercise caution while using apps like Pok`mon GO that use location services and personal data, the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has warned people.
The advisory comes in view of players venturing into dangerous and prohibited places in their quest to capture the virtual creatures in Pok`mon Go, a free-to-play location-based augmented reality mobile game.
In a statement, the CRA said it has observed media reports, social media comments, and stray incidents where safety and privacy of individuals and businesses may have been compromised while using augmented reality apps that use geolocation services. It said there have been even reports of motorists playing the game while driving, endangering their lives as well as of others.
"In this regard, CRA would like to alert all citizens and residents in Qatar to exercise caution while using apps like Pok`mon Go, Geocaching, Waze, etc. Pok`mon GO app, although not available officially in Qatar, uses mapping software to create a virtual reality game, and allows users to 'catch' the game characters on smartphone screens at various physical locations," the statement said.
The CRA urged people to keep safety first and foremost while using apps like Pok`mon GO."Stay alert, stay safe: The safety of the users, especially children, is of utmost importance and it must be ensured that virtual reality combined with outdoor locations entails exercising same precautions as you would in any other outdoor setting," it said.
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