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The immense popularity of Pokémon Go since its release has led to an unexpected and potentially troubling use of its data. The location scans collected from players of this augmented reality game have been repurposed to train artificial intelligence systems that could assist military drones in navigating war zones. As the implications of this technology unfold, questions surrounding data privacy and ethical usage are coming to the forefront.
The Evolution of Pokémon Go
Launched in 2016, Pokémon Go captured global attention by allowing players to catch virtual Pokémon in real-world environments through their mobile devices. By 2018, the game had surpassed 800 million downloads, solidifying its place in gaming history. A significant update in 2021 introduced Pokéstops, which incentivised players to scan real-world locations for in-game rewards, thus generating a wealth of location data. Players were required to opt in and agree to terms that permitted the collection of this data.
Niantic, the game’s developer, harvested vast amounts of this location scan data before divesting its gaming division in 2025. The company’s data-driven approach has now paved the way for a new application: artificial intelligence models designed to help military drones recognise and navigate complex physical environments.
Partnership with Vantor
In December, Niantic Spatial, a spin-off of Niantic, formed a partnership with Vantor, a company that focuses on spatial detection software specifically for drones, including those employed by military forces. This collaboration aims to enhance drone navigation in scenarios where GPS signals are unreliable or compromised.
“GPS unavailability, spoofing, interference, and jamming” represent significant vulnerabilities in modern military operations, as noted in the partnership announcement. The ability to maintain situational awareness without relying on satellite signals is crucial for the effectiveness of autonomous systems and field teams.
Peter Wilczynski, Vantor’s chief product officer, emphasised the need for rapid upgrades in military technology. “The modern battle space is going to be complete with different systems, and you’re going to want to upgrade those systems quickly—bringing new hardware online faster than new software,” he stated in a recent interview.
Ethical Considerations and User Consent
Both Niantic Spatial and Vantor have clarified that while the Pokémon Go data was instrumental in training Niantic’s AI models, it was not directly shared with Vantor as part of their agreement. Scans from the game were collected with users’ consent, under terms that players agreed to at the time of participation.
However, experts are raising alarms about the broader implications of using civilian-collected data for military applications. Tom Sulston, head of policy for the tech policy think tank Digital Rights Watch, expressed concern over the potential exploitation of user data. “While they may have disclaimers in their terms and conditions, we know that most people don’t read vast legal documents when they want to play a video game,” he pointed out.
Dr Rob Nicholls, a senior researcher at the University of Sydney’s Centre for AI, Trust, and Governance, warned that this scenario is likely only a glimpse into the vast amount of data collected from various apps that could be repurposed for unintended uses. He referenced previous instances, such as the use of Strava data to pinpoint military installations, highlighting the need for more stringent data protection measures.
Future Implications
The deal between Vantor and the US Army, which could be worth up to $217 million for training software, further underscores the growing intersection of technology and military applications. Meanwhile, Niantic’s sale of its gaming division to Saudi Arabian-owned Scopely for $3.5 billion in 2025 raises additional questions about the future trajectory of gaming data in the context of military technology.
Why it Matters
As technology continues to advance, the ethical implications of using consumer data for military purposes become increasingly significant. The repurposing of Pokémon Go data for military AI not only highlights the complexities of consent and privacy but also serves as a cautionary tale for users about the potential consequences of their digital engagement. As the lines between gaming, technology, and warfare blur, it becomes imperative for regulators and companies alike to prioritise user interests and safeguard against exploitation in this rapidly evolving landscape.
