An innovative AI model developed using data from Pokémon Go users is set to aid military drones in locating their positions in conflict zones. The 2016 augmented reality game Pokémon Go gained immense popularity, boasting over 800 million downloads globally by 2018, as players used their mobile phones to discover and capture virtual Pokémon in real environments.
In 2021, the game received an update that incorporated Pokéstops, enabling players to earn rewards for scanning real-world locations with their devices. This feature was contingent on users opting in and sharing their recorded scans.
Niantic, the company behind Pokémon Go, collaborated with Nintendo in its development and gathered the location scan data before selling its gaming division in 2025. These historical scans have been utilized to train AI models that assist in recognizing and interpreting real-world environments, as reported by DroneXL.
In December, Niantic Spatial—a spin-off from Niantic—announced a partnership with Vantor, a firm that specializes in creating spatial detection software for drones, including those utilized by military forces. This collaboration aims to enhance drone navigation and coordination in areas lacking reliable GPS signals.
The announcement emphasized the critical nature of this collaboration in addressing vulnerabilities that arise when GPS signals are compromised, whether due to interference or jamming. “When satellite signals are unreliable, autonomous systems and ground teams struggle with orientation and situational awareness,” the statement noted.
Peter Wilczynski, Vantor’s chief product officer, discussed the significance of their partnership in a December interview with Tectonic Defence, pointing out the evolving dynamics of contemporary battlefields. He asserted the necessity of swiftly adapting systems, highlighting the demand for rapid integration of new hardware alongside evolving software.
Both companies clarified to Guardian Australia that while Vantor did not receive the ground scans from Pokémon Go directly, these scans played a role in training Niantic's foundational AI models. A spokesperson for Niantic Spatial explained that the augmented reality scans were voluntarily submitted by players who opted into the feature, adhering to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy in place at that time.
The partnership is still in its nascent stages, according to both companies.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised about the implications of utilizing civilian data for military applications. Tom Sulston, head of policy at the tech policy think tank Digital Rights Watch, expressed his unease regarding such usages. “Even with disclaimers in their Terms and Conditions, we know most individuals don’t thoroughly read lengthy legal documents before engaging with a video game,” he stated, underscoring the need for regulators to prioritize user safety and combat exploitation.
Dr. Rob Nicholls, a senior researcher affiliated with the University of Sydney’s centre for AI, trust, and governance, indicated that this scenario may represent only a small fraction of the broader issue concerning data collected from applications being repurposed for other uses. He referenced instances like Strava data being utilized to pinpoint military installations, adding that various military agencies have issued directives to avoid using devices with GPS and sharing capabilities.
In February, Vantor announced a significant contract worth up to $217 million with the US Army for training software. Meanwhile, Niantic divested its gaming division to Saudi Arabian-owned Scopely for $3.5 billion in 2025.
