VietNamNet Bridge – The Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security has advised Vietnamese people to not play Pokemon Go while driving because the behavior is illegal and dangerous to drivers and others.


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Pokemon Go is a dangerous game if played in traffic because players have to move all the time.


According to Major Ta Thi Hong Minh, from the Traffic Police Department, Pokemon Go is a dangerous game with people in traffic because the player must move frequently.

"Pokemon is everywhere, from the park to shopping malls, squares to high-rise buildings, private houses, even in the middle of the road ...," Major Minh said.

To avoid accidents that might happen, people must not play Pokemon Go while operating vehicles, Minh said.

According to authorities, in the past few days, some people’s smartphones were snatched while playing Pokemon Go. Many others were fined for breaking traffic rules while being "busy" catching Pokemon.

Under the current law, those who use a mobile phone while driving a car will be fined from VND600,000 to VND800,000 ($30-$40). The fine is from VND100,000 to VND200,000 for motorcycle and bicycle drivers.

As Pokemon players can adjust Google Map, the Google Map Maker Vietnam team has reminded players to avoid unfortunate consequences.

Virtual Pokemon Go fever and real threats

The launch of Pokemon Go in Vietnam recently has set its fans into a craze everywhere, but the reality game is causing several possible mishaps and real threats.

Pokemon “hunters” could cause traffic accidents and congestion or they might be enticed to dangerous places whilst hunting for new creatures, which pop up on their mobile phones as they move in the real world. 

Also, cyber and personal information security relating to the game is causing huge concern for the public.

Vice chairman of Bkav’s network security Ngo Tuan Anh said players could face cyber threats if they install fake apps and their information network system could be attracted by viruses, or they could lose control of their mobile’s software.

Many experts have warned that because of the data and images collected via the Global Positioning System (GPS), camera and microphone integrated in a mobile phone, which are required for the game, it might become a serious and dangerous spy software. It is a reason many countries have raised concerns about security if the collected information is used for negative causes. Some countries, including Iran, have banned the game.

The latest reality game was developed from the famous comic “Pokemon” by Nintendo and Niantic Labs. The game app is installed and played by smart phones connected to the internet. Game players act as a trainer and “hunt” for virtual Pokemon “creatures”. 

The game has broken several records on app stores since its first introduction. VNA

Mai Nguyen