Go Ahead and Catch ‘em All, But Mind the Law

TODAY

12 August 2016

Benjamin Ang

Pokemon Go has taken Singapore by storm — as it has in many other countries — since its launch here last weekend, with reports of crowds of Singaporeans congregating in the wee hours of the day to play the free augmented-reality game.

Across the island, it is a common sight now to see people glued to their phones and periodically swiping upward as they try to catch “high-level Pokemon”.

Many players may gain health benefits from this new activity, including getting much-needed exercise from walking around in the open air. On the other hand, based on what has happened so far overseas, players who are too absorbed in the game and ignore their surroundings as they move around may expose themselves and others to danger.

Not surprisingly, several cities have taken legal steps to restrict the playing of Pokemon Go, and members of the public here have called for regulations. The Singapore Police Force and several government agencies have already published suggestions on how to play the game safely.

In the meantime, there are existing laws, such as the Penal Code, and the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act, that Pokemon Go players in Singapore need to be aware of.

… Benjamin Ang, a Singapore-qualified advocate and solicitor, is Education Chair at Internet Society – Singapore Chapter. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Centre of Excellence for National Security, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, focusing on cybersecurity issues.

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Last updated on 12/08/2016