Pokémon Go is more than just a cultural phenomenon; it’s now the most popular mobile game in U.S. history. Take a look around any bustling intersection or local gathering place and you’re likely to see gamers of all ages glued to their phones in search of a high-scoring Pokémon character.
What’s Pokémon Go About?
The game allows players to cross over from the fantasy gaming world of Pokémon to explore the real world. Users will look for creatures with names such as Diglett, Doduo, and Ponyta as they pop up on screen. These characters can appear almost anywhere – on someone’s shoulder, along a sidewalk, in a trash can or behind a giant light pole.
The app, created by San Francisco-based software developer Niantic Labs, can either be downloaded from the Pokémon website or through Google Play. It should be noted that Google Play requires users to login via their Google credentials, giving the app access to all of a users’ Google-related information including Gmail, Google Docs and Google Photos, or through iTunes for the iOS platform.
Once Niantic Labs discovered this inherent flaw, they issued a statement that they were working on an update that will limit the information requested to only basic Google profile data. (It should be noted that users will not have to take any action to fix the flaw.)
Information-sharing risk – what gamers must know.
What are the risks of sharing information through third-party apps? Adults rarely read download permissions and children will click “ok” just to get to the app. Parents and end users should be concerned about the amount of information apps are collecting and sharing with third parties since it often isn’t clear who these entities are or how the data collected will be used.
For example, if you add in someone’s age from a survey, social media information from their profiles and geolocation services that track where you are, they suddenly have comprehensive information about you. Since the game is extremely popular, versions with malware embedded are likely to inundate the market; creating dangerous vulnerabilities in a phone and allowing hackers access to any information the owner accesses with his or her phone.
Always practice safe gaming.
Applications aren’t the only dangers for children. Here are some important safety tips to follow:
- In any social media platform where people are interacting with strangers, it’s critical to have a conversation with your children about stranger danger online. Make sure they clearly understand that you don’t tell strangers personal information such as your address, name or age.
- Turn off the geolocation services on your phone when you’re not using them.
- Avoid any in-app purchases such as game accessories. If an app holds your credit card information, you’re opening yourself up to increased vulnerability.
- Isolate your activity and provide only the bare level of information. You don’t have to share your birth date or relationship status. Simply give the basic information “needed” to use the device or app.
- If the app links to an account, it’s okay to set up a shadow account that doesn’t pull all of your personal information and contacts into the app.
Dangerous and inappropriate places.
Sadly, some people will use apps for criminal purposes. Pokémon Go encourages users to visit landmarks, parks and other places to capture additional creatures. In Parkville, Maryland, three people were robbed at gunpoint when they were lured to an area after midnight by the game. The thieves took their phones and money before fleeing the scene.
Since gamers are usually fixated on their game, they may not pay attention to their surroundings like they should. Always use common sense; travel with friends, stay away from unknown areas, and be cognizant of your safety.
In their pursuit of creatures, some gamers are even venturing into places where it is inappropriate to play including: cemeteries, churches, and museums. A number of institutions such as the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery have asked players not to search for Pokémon creatures in those locales.
The game is designed to have Pokémon creatures appear when the gamer is moving at speeds less than 20 mph. That means players shouldn’t be able to see them when they are driving. So, players are walking or biking as they play. Unfortunately, two Pokémon Go players lost their lives after falling off a cliff in California. And, numerous pedestrians have been injured by walking into manholes, trees or tripping over curbs and other obstructions. Keep in mind, getting injured at work while chasing a Pokémon probably won’t qualify as a workers’ compensation claim.
Play It Safe. Contact Kapnick.
Are you a business owner or property manager? Are you concerned about how Pokémon Go may impact your insurance liability? From increased foot traffic to accidents, one of our friendly and knowledgeable Kapnick Insurance Representatives will be happy to answer your questions. Contact Kapnick today!
