In Thailand, a scandal has erupted over the Jagat app, which uses augmented reality to search for gaming coins in the real world.
A scandal has erupted in Thailand over a mobile app called Jagat, which uses augmented reality to allow users to search for game coins in the real world.
A scandal has erupted in Thailand over a Jagat mobile app that allows users to search for gaming coins in the real world using augmented reality. The country’s cyber police are warning of potential dangers associated with using the app, including the risk of criminal prosecution and threats to personal safety.
The Jagat app, developed in Indonesia and operated by 17 foreign nationals based in Indonesia, Singapore, and Vietnam, has caused a stir among Thai users.
The essence of the game is to find physical coins hidden in various locations using clues provided by the app. The coins can be exchanged for cash rewards ranging from 500 to 200,000 Thai baht. The coin hunt started in Thailand on January 15 and has covered popular tourist cities such as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, and Phuket.
However, the pursuit of virtual treasure has led to several unintended consequences. Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwpan, commissioner of the Cybercrime Investigation Bureau, said Jagat users who are addicted to searching for coins may unwittingly trespass on private property, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 Thai baht. Users also risk being victimized by criminals as the app collects and stores personal data and location information.
There have already been complaints that some users, keen on searching for coins, have trespassed on private property and left a mess in public places. Police Lieutenant Colonel Wasuthep Jai-in, deputy chief of the Patrol and Special Operations Division (PSD), urged users to desist from using the app and searching for coins. He noted that rewards paid through the app are suspected to come from accounts used for money laundering, and the recipients could become targets of investigation into the matter.
Police Major General Voravit Janachinla, the PSD commander, ordered increased patrolling in areas where coins are suspected to be hidden to prevent offenses by treasure hunters and possible crimes against them. He noted that users must pay for specific clues about the coins’ whereabouts.
One such clue led to many people congregating in Bangkok’s Silom neighborhood, causing considerable inconvenience to locals. Vorawit Janachinla also warned that young coin hunters traveling to the designated locations at night could be targeted.
The coin-hunting campaign in Thailand was initially set to last 30 days. Still, Major General Vorawit said it could end sooner as senior police officials are aware of the situation and are ready to take action. The Jagat app scandal illustrates the risks associated with using new technology and pursuing virtual gains, which can lead to real legal problems and threaten security.
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