Iranians are not allowed to play"Pokemon Go" anymore
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
Playing the game "Pokemon Go" is no longer allowed in Iran. The country's leaders think
the game makes Iran less safe. "Pokemon Go" is played on smartphones. It works by
adding digital pictures to the real world. The game makes Pokemon appear on the screen.
Abolhasa Firouzabadi is in charge of controlling the Internet in Iran. He watches how
people use websites and games. He said game makers must get permission before
people can play their game in Iran. "Pokemon Go" did not get permission.
Says "Pokemon Go" Is Not Safe
Abdolsamad Khorramabadi is an important Iranian official. He says "Pokemon Go" is a
danger to the country. The department that works to keep Iran safe agrees.
Lots of young people in Iran play "Pokemon Go." The game was released last month. It has
already become famous worldwide.
Before, Iran said it might allow the game if changes were made. For example, Iran wants
certain places to be removed from the game. "Pokemon Go" has not made these changes.
By Saeed Kamali Dehghan, The Guardian, adapted by Newsela staff on 08.12.16
Word Count 357
Blocks Don't Really Work
Blocking websites is common in Iran. The blocks have not stopped users, though. Iranians
use special programs to get to the websites they like. These are anti-filtering programs. If
the websites are still blocked, users find another way.
Facebook and Twitter are blocked. Still, many Iranians use them. The government has now
switched to smart filtering. This means the government does not block the whole website.
Instead, it only blocks certain posts or messages.
Anti-filtering programs slow down the Internet. They may not be usable when playing
"Pokemon Go."
Other branches of government in Iran, like the courts, may still have a say about if the
game will be allowed. These branches act on their own. They also have power in the
country.
Laughing At The Ban
Mana Neyestani is a well-known Iranian artist. He drew a cartoon in reply to the
announcement. It shows a Pokemon running from the Iranian police.
One Iranian user made a joke on Twitter. The user said it was hard to pay attention on the
streets. You have to watch for Pokemon and also watch for the police.
Quiz
1 Select the paragraph from the section "Says Pokemon Go Is Not Safe" that explains how the
game would have to change in order to be allowed in Iran.
2 Select the sentence from the section "Blocks Don't Really Work" that explains how "Pokemon
Go" might have a chance to be played in Iran.
(A) Blocking websites is common in Iran.
(B) The government has now switched to smart filtering.
(C) Anti-filtering programs slow down the Internet.
(D) Other branches of government in Iran, like the courts, may still have a say
about if the game will be allowed.
3 What is the MAIN reason why Iran says it banned "Pokemon Go"?
(A) It does not like the digital pictures the game adds.
(B) It thinks the game is dangerous for the country.
(C) It does not like its citizens wasting time on games.
(D) It blocks all kinds of websites on its internet.
4 Based on the article, how do the people in Iran get to websites that are blocked by the
government?
(A) They use programs that help them get around filters.
(B) They send a request to the government to unblock them.
(C) They cross the border to another country to use them.
(D) They write letters and draw cartoons.
Answer Key
1 Select the paragraph from the section "Says Pokemon Go Is Not Safe" that explains how the
game would have to change in order to be allowed in Iran.
Paragraph 4:
Before, Iran said it might allow the game if changes were made. For example,
Iran wants certain places to be removed from the game. "Pokemon Go" has not
made these changes.
2 Select the sentence from the section "Blocks Don't Really Work" that explains how "Pokemon
Go" might have a chance to be played in Iran.
(A) Blocking websites is common in Iran.
(B) The government has now switched to smart filtering.
(C) Anti-filtering programs slow down the Internet.
(D) Other branches of government in Iran, like the courts, may still have a
say about if the game will be allowed.
3 What is the MAIN reason why Iran says it banned "Pokemon Go"?
(A) It does not like the digital pictures the game adds.
(B) It thinks the game is dangerous for the country.
(C) It does not like its citizens wasting time on games.
(D) It blocks all kinds of websites on its internet.
4 Based on the article, how do the people in Iran get to websites that are blocked by the
government?
(A) They use programs that help them get around filters.
(B) They send a request to the government to unblock them.
(C) They cross the border to another country to use them.
(D) They write letters and draw cartoons.
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