Iran's Security Institutions Decide on the Release of 'Pokemon Go' in the Country

The National Foundation of Computer Games in Iran states that the release of 'Pokemon Go' in the country is contingent upon approval from security institutions. The Pokemon gaming craze has recently swept the world, a game based on virtual reality technology where participants use their mobile devices' GPS and camera to hunt imaginary creatures. However, this game has been inaccessible to Iranian users. Meanwhile, the Mehr News Agency reported on Wednesday, July 27, that the National Foundation of Computer Games, affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, believes that the content of 'Pokemon Go' does not pose any issues for release in the country, and only the approval of security institutions remains. According to the report, the National Foundation of Computer Games has set two conditions for the release of 'Pokemon Go' in Iran in correspondence with the game's publisher: one is that the servers for Iranian users must be located within the country, and the other is that the game's locations must be determined in coordination with the foundation. The National Foundation of Computer Games stated that 'Pokemon Go' has aspects beyond entertainment that relate to security and social issues, which may disrupt public order or security, leading some governments to restrict or ban it. Therefore, the foundation emphasized that the release of 'Pokemon Go' is subject to approval from relevant social and national security institutions. The game 'Pokemon Go' has generated $35 million for its developers in just three weeks.