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State Lawmaker: Pokemon Go players easy prey for sex offenders

TWC News

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A New York state lawmaker says Pokemon Go and similar games could inadvertently give sexual predators a "road map" to unsuspecting victims.

State Sen. Jeff Klein on Friday announced legislation that would prohibit certain registered sex offenders from being able to play the popular smartphone game or other similar games.

The Bronx Democrat is also proposing to require game manufacturers to take steps to ensure virtual Pokemon creatures don't pop up near the homes of sexual offenders.

Users playing the "augmented reality" game roam through the physical world searching for virtual Pokemon creatures. The game also allows players to attract other users by offering so-called "lures."

Klein says the game is "great" for entertaining players, but it could be exploited by sexual predators looking for easy prey.

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