Lawmakers Take Action To Protect Kids From Sex Offenders On Pokemon Go
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Just about everyone seems to be playing Pokemon Go, but Governor Cuomo is making sure a certain group is not allowed to take part.
It's a game that draws players to different locations in search of Pokemon. Bronx mom Charlene Sanchez has questioned if her son should play it.
"I want to get it when my phone is fixed," the boy told CBS2's Meg Baker.
New York state Senator Jeffrey Klein (D-The Bronx/Westchester) said it's not all fun and games.
"When we open the door to technology we have to be careful we are not opening the door to dangerous sexual predators who now have a road map of where our young people are congregating," Klein said.
Klein conducted a study that showed children playing the game being steered to locations near sex offender's homes.
"Main concern with older kids is they may not be safe with those apps," Alex Lucero said.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to restrict sex offenders under community supervision from using the app.
"Anything to keep them away from children," Margie Cologne said.
Parents in Morris Park said the new rule makes them feel more comfortable with their kids playing the game, but they will still speak to their kids about being aware of their surroundings.
"Never know who is a sex offender and who is not, so with him implementing that into it, I think is a good idea," Charlene Sanchez said.
Klein said the state still needs the help of the app developers.
"The second piece of legislation would make augmented game maker's police their own games. We still have not heard from makers of Pokemon Go on what they're going to do to protect our kids," Klein said.
The senator hopes other states will create similar legislation. The governor's directive will apply to nearly 3,000 sex offenders currently on parole.
The state is working with Google and Apple.
