Belarus Allegations: Pokemon Go as a CIA Intelligence Tool
Belarus Raises Concerns About Pokemon Go
A Belarusian defense ministry official has claimed that Western intelligence agencies used the augmented reality game Pokemon Go as a tool for spying. Alexander Ivanov, head of the ideological work department, made these statements during a local TV talk show. He suggested that many digital creatures were positioned on military runways, drawing parallels to the game's worldwide experience.
History of Intelligence Tool Allegations
- Pokemon Go sparked controversies right after its 2016 launch.
- Past reports indicated that Russia labeled the game as a product of US intelligence.
- Countries like Indonesia and Egypt expressed dissatisfaction leading to bans.
Concerns Over Strava
In a related matter, the fitness app Strava faced backlash for inadvertently revealing sensitive locations when users logged activities near secure facilities. The app raised significant alarm on military security.
Response from Niantic
The developer of Pokemon Go, Niantic, refuted the claims of sharing user data and emphasized compliance with local laws. However, military authorities remain cautious, highlighting the risks associated with the game’s location features.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.