Iran bans Pokémon Go over 'security concerns'

Iran has become the first country to ban popular augmented reality game Pokémon Go thanks to a decision handed down by — and this is a real government agency — the High Council of Virtual Spaces.

The council cited "security concerns," which some have speculated may have to do with the app's propensity for causing groups to congregate in public and leading people on exploring expeditions at all hours of the night.

Previously, the game was banned for sex offenders in New York and on-duty police officers in Indonesia. A prominent Islamic cleric from Saudi Arabia also declared his view that a 16-year-old fatwa on the card game version of Pokémon applies to the app. The fatwa was issued on the grounds that the game contains "forbidden images" and encourages gambling.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up