Joseph Spector

USA TODAY Network-New York

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York will restrict sex offenders from using Pokémon Go and similar games, saying there are concerns the popular games could leave children vulnerable to predators.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday directed the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to try to limit sex offenders from playing Pokémon Go.

He also sent a letter to the game's software developer Niantic Inc. asking it to find ways to prohibit sex offenders from playing Pokémon Go.

“Protecting New York’s children is priority number one and, as technology evolves, we must ensure these advances don't become new avenues for dangerous predators to prey on new victims," Cuomo said in a statement.

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On Friday, New York state Sen. Jeff Klein, a Democrat from the Bronx, said he would introduce legislation to curb the use of the game by sexual predators.

The concern is that the reality game can be used to lure players near the residences of sex offenders.

Also, Klein said, a feature of the game can include a 'lure" — where for a small fee a user can be directed to go to a specific location.

Cuomo's order calls for the state corrections agency to install a new parole condition for sex offenders under state supervision to prohibit them "downloading, accessing, or otherwise engaging in any Internet enabled gaming activities, including Pokémon Go."

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The directive will impact about 3,000 Level 1, 2 and 3 sex offenders currently on parole, Cuomo's office said. According to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services, a Level 1 offender is someone with a "low risk of repeat offense;" a Level 2 sex offender has a "moderate risk;" and a Level 3 offender has a "high risk of repeat offense and a threat to public safety exists."

The state also will offer similar guidance to county probation offices, asking them to also adopt the policy.

"Pokémon Go provided sex offenders with a virtual road map to our children," Klein said in a statement.

"We know that pedophiles always seek new ways to lure victims and this new technology that entertains our kids, could also bring them close to dangerous individuals instead of Pokémon."

The state Division of Criminal Justice Services also plans to work with Apple and Google on how to improve user safety.

Joseph Spector writes for Gannett's Albany (N.Y.) Bureau. Follow him on Twitter: @GannettAlbany

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