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Iran Pokemon Go 20526 True

Iran has become the first country to ban the mobile game "Pokemon Go". Officials said the game must store data in Iran and remove certain locations, but the game's makers did not respond. While Iran filters internet content, millions use anti-filtering software to access blocked apps and sites like Facebook and Twitter. The ban on "Pokemon Go" is one example of censorship, but tech-savvy Iranians often find ways around restrictions.

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193 views4 pages

Iran Pokemon Go 20526 True

Iran has become the first country to ban the mobile game "Pokemon Go". Officials said the game must store data in Iran and remove certain locations, but the game's makers did not respond. While Iran filters internet content, millions use anti-filtering software to access blocked apps and sites like Facebook and Twitter. The ban on "Pokemon Go" is one example of censorship, but tech-savvy Iranians often find ways around restrictions.

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api-326776776
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Iran is the first country to ban

smartphone game "Pokemon Go"


By Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.12.16
Word Count 517

Iranians play on the "Pokemon Go" app in Tehran's Mellat Park on August 3, 2016. Iran was quick to ban the global
gaming craze but, as with many of the Islamic republic's Internet controls, tech-savvy youngsters have carried on
regardless. Photo: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images

Iran has become the rst country to ban the mobile game "Pokemon Go." The country
claimed it was concerned about the game's use of location-based virtual reality
technology. The game uses a smartphone's GPS and camera to make Pokemon
characters pop up on the player's screen.
Abolhasa Firouzabadi is the head of Irans supreme council of virtual space. This
government agency monitors the use of the Internet in the country. He told a news agency
that any game that wants to operate in Iran needs to request permission rst. According to
him, "Pokemon Go" has not yet asked for permission.

Says Game Is A Threat To Iran


A senior ofcial, Abdolsamad Khorramabadi, was quoted last week as saying that the
game was a threat to the country, and that Iran's intelligence agency approved of the ban.
Irans tech-savvy young people quickly embraced the game. "Pokemon Go" has become a
global phenomenon since its release last month.

Ofcials had previously hinted that they may allow the game in Iran. However, they said
that the game must store its information inside the country and remove certain locations
from the game. The makers of "Pokemon Go" have not responded to that request.

Anti-Filtering Software Used By Millions


Internet ltering is common in Iran. Through this practice, the government blocks people's
access to certain websites and content. However, it has not stopped millions of users from
going on blocked apps and websites. Iranians use anti-ltering software to get around
state restrictions. They have been able to bounce back quickly from unexpected blocks,
often migrating in huge numbers from one platform to another when a block is introduced.
The success of the messaging app Telegram, which is used by 1 in 4 Iranians, is proof of
this.
Millions of Iranians are also on the social media websites Facebook and Twitter, even
though both sites are blocked. In response, authorities are now using smart ltering.
Instead of blocking an entire website or app, the government only blocks certain content.
For example, the popular apps Instagram and Telegram can be used by Iranians, but
some content on those apps has been ltered out.
Using anti-ltering software slows down the speed of a user's connection. It may not be
possible to use the software when playing "Pokemon Go."
The decision on ltering does not rest solely in the governments hands. Other institutions
in Iran, like the judiciary, act independently of President Hassan Rouhani and his
administration. These institutions also have a say in deciding what should and shouldn't be
censored in Iran.

Ban Not Being Taken Seriously


Mana Neyestani is a prominent Iranian cartoonist. He reacted to the ban by drawing a
cartoon depicting a "Pokemon Go" character eeing from the Iranian morality police. These
undercover ofcers patrol the streets of Iran to make sure that people are following strict
codes of behavior.
One Iranian user joked on Twitter that it was difcult to focus while walking on the streets in
Iran. You have to both look around to hunt Pokemon and also watch not being hunted
yourself by the morality police," the user said.

Quiz
1

Select the sentence from the article that explains HOW Iran's government wants to control the
content of "Pokemon Go."
(A)

A senior ofcial, Abdolsamad Khorramabadi, was quoted last week as


saying that the game was a threat to the country, and that Iran's intelligence
agency approved of the ban.

(B)

However, they said that the game must store its information inside the
country and remove certain locations from the game.

(C)

For example, the popular apps Instagram and Telegram can be used by
Iranians, but some content on those apps has been ltered out.

(D)

It may not be possible to use the software when playing "Pokemon Go."

Which section highlights the idea that government blocks on games and websites are NOT
effective?
(A)

the introduction [paragraphs 1 and 2]

(B)

"Says Game Is A Threat To Iran"

(C)

"Anti-Filtering Software Used By Millions"

(D)

"Ban Not Being Taken Seriously"

Fill in the blank.


The author MAINLY explains the importance of the ban on "Pokemon Go" by____.

(A)

listing the government's concerns about the dangers of the game

(B)

explaining that it is one example of many apps or sites censored by the


government

(C)

including quotes from Iranian ofcials and citizens that show their thoughts
on "Pokemon Go."

(D)

explaining how anti-ltering software affects internet connection speeds

What is the MOST likely reason the author included the information in the section "Ban Not
Being Taken Seriously"?
(A)

to show that the Iranian people do not respect the government's ban

(B)

to show that the Iranian people are afraid of their government

(C)

to show that the Iranian government is loved by the people

(D)

to show that the Iranian government takes the ban very seriously

Answer Key
1

Select the sentence from the article that explains HOW Iran's government wants to control the
content of "Pokemon Go."
(A)

A senior ofcial, Abdolsamad Khorramabadi, was quoted last week as


saying that the game was a threat to the country, and that Iran's intelligence
agency approved of the ban.

(B)

However, they said that the game must store its information inside the
country and remove certain locations from the game.

(C)

For example, the popular apps Instagram and Telegram can be used by
Iranians, but some content on those apps has been ltered out.

(D)

It may not be possible to use the software when playing "Pokemon Go."

Which section highlights the idea that government blocks on games and websites are NOT
effective?
(A)

the introduction [paragraphs 1 and 2]

(B)

"Says Game Is A Threat To Iran"

(C)

"Anti-Filtering Software Used By Millions"

(D)

"Ban Not Being Taken Seriously"

Fill in the blank.


The author MAINLY explains the importance of the ban on "Pokemon Go" by____.

(A)

listing the government's concerns about the dangers of the game

(B)

explaining that it is one example of many apps or sites censored by the


government

(C)

including quotes from Iranian ofcials and citizens that show their thoughts
on "Pokemon Go."

(D)

explaining how anti-ltering software affects internet connection speeds

What is the MOST likely reason the author included the information in the section "Ban Not
Being Taken Seriously"?
(A)

to show that the Iranian people do not respect the government's ban

(B)

to show that the Iranian people are afraid of their government

(C)

to show that the Iranian government is loved by the people

(D)

to show that the Iranian government takes the ban very seriously

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