Pokémon go data fuels secret military ai – but niantic denies it
A shadowy collaboration between Niantic, the developer of Pokémon Go, and intelligence firm Vantor is quietly powering a new military AI system, according to a Trouw report. The project, leveraging a staggering 30 billion scans from millions of players, aims to enable autonomous drone navigation in challenging environments.
The unexpected source of military tech
Initially dismissed as rumor, the story reveals that Niantic’s data – specifically, the location scans collected through Pokémon Go’s augmented reality feature – is being used to train an artificial intelligence capable of guiding drones. Players, unknowingly contributing to this advancement, diligently scanned hundreds of PokéStops, earning Ultra Balls and other in-game rewards for their efforts.
However, Niantic is vehemently denying any involvement. A spokesperson stated that AR scans were voluntarily submitted and governed by existing Terms of Service and Privacy Policies. The discontinuation of this feature, coinciding with Scopely’s acquisition of Pokémon Go, effectively ended the data sharing agreement.
Vantor’s role and future tech
The key player in this unexpected alliance is Vantor, an intelligence company with ties to the defense industry. Together, they are developing technology to overcome GPS limitations, allowing for precise location tracking in areas where signals are obstructed or unavailable. This breakthrough could revolutionize the operation of ground-based robots, such as bomb disposal units, and significantly enhance the capabilities of aerial drones.
Trouw reports that Niantic Spatial, a spin-off company founded by Niantic, is at the heart of this technology, creating remarkably detailed 3D models of the real world, a cornerstone of Pokémon Go’s functionality. This new system, in partnership with Vantor, promises to deliver real-time location data even without relying on GPS – a critical advantage for deployments in urban environments and remote locations.
Data’s new purpose – beyond catching pokémon
Despite Niantic’s denial, the data’s origin and use remain a point of contention. Players were, in effect, covertly mapping their surroundings for the game, contributing unknowingly to military innovation. The 30 billion scans, meticulously recorded during the game’s 2016 launch, represent a previously untapped resource for AI development.
Scopely's Role: No Data Shared
As part of Scopely’s ownership, Niantic Spatial no longer shares data collected through Pokémon Go. This evolving landscape underscores the complex interplay between consumer technology and national security.