Putting a stop to PokeStops

(STAND ALONE)Fever pitch: City folk seen playing ‘Pokemon Go’ on their smartphones at Kuching Waterfront.

PETALING JAYA: Places of worship and other sensitive venues can now get unwanted virtual “pests” removed from their premises, according to Pokemon GO developer Niantic Labs.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the Pokemon GO community. That enthusiasm has led players to visit many real-world locations and we have received requests to remove some locations.

“We are moving quickly to review all such requests,” a spokesperson from the developer wrote in an email reply to The Star.

In an earlier report, the paper received several complaints from churches, district police headquarters and schools where there was a surge of visitors after their venues became PokeStops and Pokemon Gyms after the game was launched.

Crowds gather at PokeStops to replenish their Pokeballs, items used to capture Pokemon, and to challenge and conquer new Pokemon Gyms.

The unwanted crowds have roused the ire of worshippers, schoolteachers and parents, with some resorting to hanging out “No Pokemon” signs.

So far, Pokemon has been “chased” away from two venues – the Hiroshima Memorial Park in Japan and the Holocaust Memorial Museum in the United States – after officials there requested for PokeStop and Pokemon Gyms within their areas removed.

Those who wish to do the same can raise a ticket with Niantic Labs via the following url: https://support.pokemongo.nianticlabs.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=341148.

Users making the removal request may report that the particular PokeStop or Gym is dangerous, not at the location, a private property or due to other reasons which have to be stated.

There are, however, no details on the guidelines and the time frame to be de-listed as a PokeStop or Gym.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued safety guidelines for Pokemon GO players, urging them to be more vigilant and aware of the sensitivities of local communities.

It urged players to safeguard their personal data, respect the sensitivities of religious places, not to enter restricted areas and to be aware of strangers.

“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 is taken when they play Pokemon GO,” the statement read.

The guidelines also stressed that players should be aware of online and offline fraud while playing the augmented reality game.

“Be careful of applications offered to you as it might expose you to hackers or malware,” the statement added.

It also urged users to monitor the amount of money spent through in-app purchases which might be costly.

Purchases in the game can reach up to US$99.99 (RM401.19) for 14,500 Pokecoins.

Those who have queries about the safety and sensitivity aspects of the game can contact Niantic Labs through their website www.nianticlabs.com.