Careful where you play ‘Pokémon Go’ on government sites

Technology

Careful where you play ‘Pokémon Go’ on government sites

It turns out the federal government isn't immune to the newest video game phenomenon that is 'Pokemon Go.'

Jory Heckman@jheckmanWFED

July 12, 2016 12:44 pm

2 min read

It turns out the federal government isn’t immune to the newest video game phenomenon that is Pokémon Go.

The National Park Service on Monday posted a tongue-in-cheek advisory to its Facebook page warning visitors to be mindful of their surroundings when playing the massively popular new game on their mobile devices.

The smartphone game encourages users to explore maps of real-world terrain — including landmarks like the White House and the Pentagon — and ‘catch’ wild Pokémon using their device’s camera.

“As you race around the park trying to collect as many Pokémon as possible, please remember to be respectful of your fellow visitors as well as the memorials,” the Park Service wrote. “Yes, it might be tempting to go after that Snorlax near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, or the Venusaur hanging out in the chamber of the Jefferson Memorial, but remember that there are places of solemn reflection here at the National Mall where playing Pokemon just isn’t appropriate. But that Pokémon Gym over in Constitution Gardens? Go get ’em!”

The Marine Corps on Tuesday posted a scenario to its Twitter, featuring Pikachu, the game’s most iconic character.

Get off the firing line, Pikachu! That's a safety violation! pic.twitter.com/WilmXFBHlf

— U.S. Marines (@USMC) July 11, 2016

The Army, however, used a photo taken from the game to promote its website on combat readiness safety.

The Defense Department, however, reiterated that playing Pokémon Go in restricted areas on military bases is a “no go.”

Your #SITREP: #PokemonGO a "no go" in restricted areas on base, new @BlueAngels app & more: https://t.co/7B8KjRGSrQ pic.twitter.com/H2l5x1zKWV

— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) July 12, 2016

Joint Base Lewis-McChord, located in Washington State, also posted an advisory to its Facebook page.

“Since Pokémon Go hit last week there have been reports of serious injuries and accidents of people driving or walking while looking at the app and chasing after the virtual Pokémon,” says the message posted this morning to the Joint Base Lewis McChord official Facebook page. “Do not chase Pokemon into controlled or restricted areas, office buildings, or homes on base.”

On the Hill, Rep. Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) also decided to get in on the joke, and tweeted a photo on Monday from her office in the Longworth House Office Building.

Things I have caught in my office: 1) Mice 2) This pic.twitter.com/YCGWiJcf5y

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— Lynn Jenkins (@RepLynnJenkins) July 11, 2016

The White House, meanwhile, has become a hotspot for players looking to compete with each other. As of Tuesday, the executive mansion is guarded by a Pokémon named ‘Merica.’