Belarus claims Pokémon is a Western intelligence tool

A Belarus Defense Ministry official, Alexander Ivanov, has raised concerns about the mobile game Pokémon Go, suggesting it serves as a tool for Western intelligence. During a recent talk show, he claimed that the game was used to gather information about military aviation in Belarus, particularly near the 50th air base in Minsk, where many players reported finding Pokémon. Ivanov's comments reflect a broader narrative in Belarus and Russia, where the game has been viewed with suspicion. Russian media previously suggested that Pokémon Go could be a CIA operation, highlighting the geopolitical tensions in the region. Niantic, the game's American developer, has denied these allegations, asserting that the game is not intended for espionage purposes. This incident underscores the ongoing concerns in Belarus regarding foreign surveillance and the potential misuse of technology in military contexts.