Pokémon Go is a craze that’s been sweeping the nation recently. But along with the fun it relays to its millions of players worldwide, there are a few major liability risks it involves too.
If you’re still not sure what this whole Pokémon Go craze is all about, here is a quick explanation. It’s a free-to-play, location-based augmented reality game, which is available for almost all mobile devices. In the game, players use a mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle, and train virtual creatures called Pokémon, who appear on the screen as if they were in the same real-world location as the players. Players are actively en-route to the nearest Pokémon stop to catch the best character. This shouldn’t be considered a risk right? Doesn’t it get kids and adults alike up and out of the house exploring different parts of their city? As good as it sounds all good things have their risks too. ‘Catching them all’ might have some serious consequences that are important to note:
Trespassing on third party property.
The augmented reality game has causes some players to overstep their boundaries a little bit too much in the real world when it comes to catching their favoured character. In order to catch Pokémon, players are encouraged to explore new neighbourhoods they haven’t yet ventured. But since the app has launched, various business owners and homeowners have filed complaints that there were people trespassing on their property whilst using the game. When users aren’t aware of their surroundings or that they are on forbidden property, it can lead to legal consequences for the user.
Risk of bodily injury.
Not only are the Pokémon Go users at risk of trespassing, but it effects all property owners as well. Being glued to your phone trying to catch the various Pokémon in your area can keep your awareness of what’s around you preoccupied. This can result in someone to trip and fall, bump into objects on your property and other minor to major injuries. If someone gets injured on a third parties property, the property owner can be liable to compensate for the guests injury. Users were also reported to have severe injuries due to users trying to catch Pokémon in more dangerous areas of their city.
Motor vehicle accidents.
Distracted drivers are some of the most common ways drivers get into motor vehicle accidents, but with more appeal to the app than ever before, it becomes an ongoing struggle with drivers and their on-road safety. Since the games release, there have been multiple photos that were posted of Pokémon appearing on the dashboard of vehicles, which entices drivers to capture the Pokémon, instead of paying attention to the road. The increased numbers in distracted drivers have resulted in official law enforcement to release public safety announcements, to keep safe on the road and not use the app while driving. It is also important to note that in most provinces and territories in Canada, it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving. So not only is it extremely dangerous to the drivers and pedestrians, it’s also illegal. Don’t let a game cause you or others to be harmed.
Privacy Breach.
Another concern for Pokémon Go users, are the risks of the users’ security and privacy being obstructed. The game usually requires a location and data connection, which means you’re giving access to the app developer to track your whereabouts, as well as sharing meta-data that includes more personal details of where you are frequently, who you associate with and other details similar to this. This comes as a major concern, because the user can be at risk of having their confidential data exposed to web-hackers and other third-party sites.
The more we see games like this emerge, it’s important to know the dangers and concerns that go along with it. Always keep your personal information confidential, and always be aware of your surroundings while playing Pokémon Go. It’s never worth causing yourself or someone else harm. Our clients’ safety is our biggest concern. Contact Bedrock to ask us how we can help you stay safe!