US DoD Bans Pokemon Go on Pentagon's Premises Over Spying Concerns

The US Defense Department has banned the use of the Pokemon Go app on its premises, citing concerns over potential security breaches by foreign spies as the game tracks the users’ location.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) – According to The Washington Times newspaper, the Department sent off a memorandum to all Pentagon workers prohibiting the use of the app on July 19.

The game app uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. Pentagon officials are reportedly concerned that secret locations of documents and sensitive facilities may become available to spies through Defense Department employees using the app. Other concerns include personalities of those having access to classified documents being revealed.

Pokemon Go is a free augmented reality mobile game, where the picture displayed on the smartphone screen is projected onto real-world locations. The main aim of the game is to catch a Pokemon, a pocket monster. It has become a worldwide hit since its launch in July and has already been blamed for a wave of crimes, traffic violations and complaints in cities around the globe.