CHICAGO — Pokemon Go and other augmented reality games are rapidly increasing in popularity, but this new technology comes with a few glitches. At the Loyola Dunes Restoration Site in Rogers Park, Chicago, a PokeStop has been placed on a state and federally protected site, enticing players to leave the designated path and inadvertently trample sensitive habitat and bird nesting grounds. Despite many receiving many requests for the site to be removed – including one from the Chicago Park District – the game’s developer has yet to move the Pokestop. In response, State Representative Kelly Cassidy has proposed HB660, or “Pidgey’s Law”, which would fine developers each day they fail to remove a requested site from augmented reality games.
WHAT: Introduction of legislation to protect sensitive areas from augmented reality games.
WHO: State Representative Kelly Cassi, Jen Walling, Executive Director, Illinois Environmental Council, Jack Darin, Director, Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 3:30pm
WHERE: Loyola Dunes Restoration Site at Pratt Beach, Rogers Park, Chicago, IL
‹ ‹In case of rain, Loyola Park Fieldhouse