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The augmented reality sensation Pokémon Go, which captivated millions upon its release in 2016, has inadvertently contributed to the development of artificial intelligence systems designed for military applications. Players may be unaware that the location data they provided while hunting virtual creatures is now aiding drone technology in navigating complex environments, particularly in scenarios where traditional GPS is compromised.
The Journey from Game to Military Utility
Pokémon Go quickly rose to global prominence, amassing over 800 million downloads by 2018. The game’s unique premise allowed players to engage with the real world through their smartphones, capturing Pokémon at various locations. A significant update in 2021 introduced Pokéstops, rewarding players for scanning real-world sites, which involved voluntarily uploading location data. This information was collected by Niantic, the game’s developer, prior to its sale of the gaming division to Saudi Arabian-owned Scopely in 2025.
Recent reports indicate that this historical data has been instrumental in training AI models, enabling them to effectively recognise and interpret physical spaces. These advancements could ultimately assist military drones in locating themselves during missions in environments where GPS signals are either unreliable or entirely unavailable.
A Strategic Partnership
In December, Niantic Spatial, a spinoff of Niantic, announced a collaboration with Vantor, a company specialising in spatial detection technology for drones—some of which are utilised by military forces. This partnership aims to enhance drone navigation and coordination capabilities, particularly in areas afflicted by GPS interference, spoofing, or jamming.
The announcement underscored the critical need to address vulnerabilities in modern military operations. “When satellite signals are compromised, autonomous systems and field teams lose their ability to orient, coordinate, or maintain accurate situational awareness,” the companies stated. Such technology could be pivotal in transforming how military drones operate in the field.
Ethical Concerns Surrounding Civilian Data Use
While both Niantic and Vantor have clarified that the ground scans from Pokémon Go were not directly shared with Vantor, they confirmed that the data was leveraged to train Niantic’s foundational models. A spokesperson for Niantic Spatial reassured users that the AR scans were voluntarily submitted by players, adhering to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy at the time.
However, this development has sparked significant ethical debate. Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, expressed concerns about the implications of using civilian data for military purposes. “While they may have disclaimers in their Ts&Cs, we know that most people don’t read vast legal documents when they want to play a video game,” he remarked, advocating for regulatory frameworks that prioritise user interests.
Dr Rob Nicholls from the University of Sydney’s Centre for AI, Trust and Governance, pointed out that this instance may be merely a glimpse into a broader trend where data harvested from apps is repurposed for unintended uses. He highlighted past incidents, such as the misuse of Strava data to identify sensitive military locations, indicating a growing concern regarding data privacy and security.
The Bigger Picture
Vantor recently secured a contract worth up to $217 million with the US Army for training software, illustrating the increasing fusion of commercial technology and military operations. As civilian applications continue to evolve, the lines between entertainment, technology, and warfare become increasingly blurred.
Why it Matters
The intersection of gaming and military technology raises profound questions about data privacy, consent, and the ethical use of information. As technology companies continue to innovate and expand their reach, the responsibility to ensure that user data is not exploited for military applications becomes paramount. This case serves as a stark reminder that in our digital age, the consequences of seemingly innocuous activities—like playing a game—can extend far beyond personal enjoyment, impacting global security dynamics.