UAE telecom regulator warns online game users of privacy invasion

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday warned mobile and smart device users about playing online games that request their geographical locations, which could be used against them for criminal activities, state news agency WAM reported.

"The TRA is warning all mobile and smart device users against using these applications in sensitive private places to ensure that their privacy and safety is secure," said Mohamed Al-Zarooni, director of Policy and Programs Department at UAE Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), in a statement.

The warning came amid growing popularity of online games, especially Pokemon Go from Japan's gaming giant Nintendo, that "invades the privacy" of users and allows hackers to spy on them and know where they are, the statement said.

Such invasion of privacy gives criminals the opportunity to rob victims of their possessions or cause further harm, the statement added.

Pokemon Go is a virtual reality hunting game, in which players chase fantasy-like monsters that show up on their smart phones in front of real-time background images shot by the devices' built-in cameras.

There have been reports of armed robberies recently by criminals using the geo-positioning features of such games, WAM said. Endit