Whenever a technological phenomenon like this hits, there are naturally many questions people might have about what the potential risks it poses. There have been many reports on the physical hazards of Pokémon Go as accidental injury due to not pay attention, and the risk for dangerous criminals to use "decoy" application functionality without literally lure victims mistrust to an isolated place and rob them. But what makes this application poses risks to your virtual privacy?
what kind of data access request Pokemon Go?
Like almost any application you download to your smartphone, Pokemon Go requires certain permissions "" to access the data and functionality of your phone. The game depends on the ability to use your GPS position, which means that to play successfully, you must have GPS tracking enabled. In addition, the game also has access to your camera - although it is possible to extinguish it. A question many people have is the ability for players to sign in the game via their Google account, and what type of access that gives the game. This was reinforced when, during the initial launch of the game, iOS users would be needed to give the application complete access to their Google accounts (Android users do not know this parasite). Although this has been revealed as a problem of single authorizations and was quickly fixed by Niantic, the developer of the game, it still attracted concern. Niantic assured users that Google Base profile data is accessed, such as your email. Those concerned about the potential invasion of privacy can also create an account with the Pokémon Trainer Club to connect.
It is important to pay attention to details when downloading a new application
It is worrying that so many people were willing to grant access to their Google account to play game without taking a step back to think about what they were doing, but it is certainly not a new behavior. Pokemon Go is just an application from hundreds of thousands out there, and it is possible for any application to expose your privacy if you're not careful. It is tempting to bypass or ignore the screen that appears when you try to install an application that shows what permissions the application requires. However, this means that you might miss something sinister, like a calculator application that needs access to your exact location at any time. Read the list of permissions before installing a new application, and whether you can remove certain permissions to protect your privacy.
It is also essential to ensure that you install the app right. While Pokémon Go was released in the United States immediately, all countries had the same luxury, and people from downloading third party application versions to play. Unfortunately, these fake applications are often a vehicle for malicious software to be installed on your mobile device. You might be tempted to simply upload the first application that appears when you search, but it is imperative to pay attention and make sure you get the right one. One way to ensure you get the right app is to visit the manufacturer's Web site first application and click the link to download from the Apple Store or Google Play store from there. If you decide to download via your app store, check user feedback and verification of the author of an application you want to download can also alert you as to whether you are dealing with a fraud or real deal.
Parents should talk to their children to play safely
What you intend to play with them or not, if your child has caught the fever Pokémon, it is important make sure you tell them about all the potential risks involved - and not just physical. Beyond to ensure their privacy is kept safe during the registration process and ensure they download the right application, it is also necessary to talk to them about the dangers of Wi-Fi use when they are out and about on Pokémon hunting adventures. Although currently there are not any features that allow players to communicate through the game with another, there is a potential for them to be implemented in the future, so you should be sure to tell them about what information they should never give online and steering clear of aliens to click on links that no one sends them while chatting. One of the best ways to make sure your children take intelligent decisions and play safely while using this application is to join them. - Even if you do not play yourself, a walk through the neighborhood together is great family bonding time
The new technology can be daunting, but understanding the risks and how to protect your privacy and security in general is one of the best ways to keep you and your family safe. To learn more about privacy and how you can protect it, visit our blog for privacy.