Sex offenders on parole in New York are banned from playing the sensational "Pokemon Go" game. Andrew Cuomo, New York governor, is concerned that these predators, might use the augmented reality game to seduce their prey.
Cuomo has come up with a list of 3,000 sex offenders to be cross checked by "Pokemon Go" developer Niantic. Anyone on the list proven to be hunting and catching those animated characters will violate their parole. They could even be put to prison once again. Another 5,000 predators categorized in the lower level are also in the sex offender registry list.
The information has also been shared to 40 social media companies, which are expected to block "Pokemon Go" predators from their site. The governor has also asked Niantic to cart off "Pokestop" near the homes of sex offenders.
Parents are encouraged to safeguard their children playing "Pokemon Go" especially if they are hunting on public places. People with sexual interest in children could easily lure them to specific locations.
Across the city of New York, 59 sex offenders' residences were within a half block of a "Pokestop" according to an informal investigation. Additionally, 57 "Pokemon Go" creatures were spotted near their home. The figure even rose to 73 when the gyms are added in the data.
Senator Jeff Klein said that New York has banned high-level sex offenders from engaging in any social media affairs. He is requesting that Niantic would go the extra mile to secure the safety of children by preventing "Pokemon Go" creatures to come into view near the predators' residences. Though there are reports of robbers luring players to "Pokestops," there had been no reported incidents of sex offenders so far.
No doubt, "Pokemon Go" is the latest craze to hit the world. It is definitely entertaining and highly engaging, but the safety of the children should always come first.
