Iran bans Pokémon Go over ‘security’ concerns

Authorities in Iran have banned the Pokémon Go app because of unspecified "security concerns".

The decision was taken by the High Council of Virtual Spaces, the official body overseeing online activity.

Iran follows a number of other countries in expressing its worries over security related to the game.

But it becomes the first country to issue a ban of Pokémon Go, that challenges players to visit real-world locations to catch cartoon monsters.

Despite restrictions on internet usage Iranians on social media have discussed playing Pokémon Go in recent weeks.

Reports last month said Iranian authorities were waiting to see to what extent the game's creators would co-operate with them before making a decision on banning it.