In an unexpected turn of events, the globally beloved augmented reality game Pokémon Go has contributed to the development of artificial intelligence systems that could assist military drones in navigating war zones. While millions of players have enjoyed the thrill of catching Pokémon since its debut in 2016, many remain unaware that their location data may now be aiding military operations.
A Game That Captured Hearts and Data
Launched in July 2016, Pokémon Go quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting over 800 million downloads by 2018. Players used their mobile devices to catch Pokémon in real-world locations, transforming mundane streets into vibrant gaming arenas. In an effort to enhance the gaming experience, Niantic introduced a feature in 2021 that rewarded players for scanning real-world locations. This opt-in approach allowed players to contribute valuable location data, which Niantic later harnessed to train its AI models.
Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go, sold its gaming division in 2025 but not before accumulating vast amounts of user-generated data. This data has since been revealed to have been instrumental in training AI systems capable of interpreting physical environments, as reported by DroneXL.
A Strategic Partnership with Military Implications
In December 2025, Niantic Spatial—a spin-off of Niantic—announced a collaboration with Vantor, a company specialising in spatial detection software for drones. This partnership aims to enhance drone navigation in areas where GPS signals are unreliable or absent. According to the firms, this initiative addresses a pressing concern in modern military operations, where the loss of satellite signals can severely hinder situational awareness for autonomous systems and ground troops.
Vantor’s Chief Product Officer, Peter Wilczynski, emphasised the need for rapid upgrades to military systems, stating, “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.”
Ethical Concerns Surrounding Civilian Data Usage
Despite the innovative potential of this partnership, the use of civilian data for military purposes raises significant ethical questions. Tom Sulston, head of policy at Digital Rights Watch, expressed concern over the implications of such practices. “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.
He advocates for regulatory frameworks prioritising user interests, noting that many users of “free” software services may unknowingly become products themselves. Dr Rob Nicholls, a senior researcher at the University of Sydney, warned that this is likely just the beginning of a trend where data collected through seemingly innocuous apps is repurposed for unforeseen uses.
The Bigger Picture: A Growing Trend?
The revelations surrounding Pokémon Go are not isolated. Similar instances have occurred where civilian data collected from apps has been leveraged for military insights, such as the identification of military facilities using Strava data. With Vantor recently securing a contract worth up to USD 217 million with the US Army for training software, the intersection of gaming, technology, and military applications is becoming increasingly blurred.
Niantic’s gaming division sale to Saudi Arabian-owned Scopely for USD 3.5 billion in 2025 further illustrates the rapidly evolving landscape of data monetisation and its potential consequences.
Why it Matters
The implications of Pokémon Go’s data being utilised to support military drones highlight a critical need for transparency and accountability in how user data is managed and applied. As technology increasingly intertwines with military operations, it is vital for regulators to step in and protect civilian interests. This situation serves as a stark reminder that while we may play games for entertainment, our data can have far-reaching effects that go well beyond the screen.