Why was Pokemon Go banned in Saudi Arabia?

Why was Pokémon Go banned in Saudi Arabia?

In July 2016, the world witnessed the phenomenal rise of Pokémon Go, an augmented reality game developed by Niantic. The game became an instant hit, with millions of users worldwide joining the craze. However, not everyone was pleased with the game’s popularity. Saudi Arabia, a country with strict Islamic laws, banned Pokémon Go citing religious concerns and national security threats.

The Ban

The ban was issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities in August 2016, just a month after the game’s release. The country’s religious police, known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, claimed that the game was haram, or forbidden, in Islam. The game’s concept of using mobile devices to capture virtual creatures was seen as a distraction from Islamic duties and a potential threat to the country’s security.

Evolution and Blasphemy

The Saudi authorities were particularly concerned about the game’s depiction of evolution, a concept that goes against Islamic teachings. According to Islam, the creation of species is the sole domain of Allah, and any attempts to explain it through science or evolution are considered blasphemous. The game’s use of evolution to explain the growth and development of Pokémon was seen as a direct affront to Islamic beliefs.

National Security Concerns

Another concern raised by the Saudi authorities was the potential for national security threats posed by the game. With players required to venture out into public spaces to capture Pokémon, the authorities feared that the game could be used as a cover for nefarious activities, such as espionage or terrorism.

Other Countries with Similar Concerns

Saudi Arabia is not the only country that has banned Pokémon Go. Other countries with similar concerns include:

• India, where the game was banned in some states due to concerns over public safety and national security.
• Iran, where the game was blocked due to its blasphemous content and potential national security threats.
• Malaysia, where the game was banned due to concerns over public order and national security.

Comparison with Other Pokémon Games

Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has not banned other Pokémon games or spin-offs that do not involve augmented reality or evolution. This has led some to speculate that the ban was specifically targeting Pokémon Go due to its unique features and global popularity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the ban on Pokémon Go in Saudi Arabia was due to a combination of religious concerns, national security threats, and public safety concerns. The game’s depiction of evolution and its potential to be used as a cover for nefarious activities were seen as direct threats to Islamic beliefs and national security. While other countries have raised similar concerns, the ban on Pokémon Go in Saudi Arabia highlights the country’s strict Islamic laws and its willingness to take drastic measures to protect its citizens.