Niantic is pushing back against reports that its augmented reality game Pokemon Go contributed data for military drone training. A Dutch outlet previously claimed the company used nearly 30 billion scans from the mobile title to build a three-dimensional model for defense applications. The developer clarified that this figure represents individual video frames collected across multiple platforms rather than isolated Pokemon Go entries.
Developer clarifies video frame counts and partnership scope
The controversy centers on Niantic Spatial's collaboration with Vantor, an aerial survey firm. Niantic confirmed it signed a partnership agreement with the company in December 2025 but stressed the arrangement remains in its initial phases. The developer stated that exchanging game data falls outside the scope of their current contract terms.
Niantic clarified technical specifics about the volume of captured imagery. The company clarified that the figure represents video frames from multiple games, including Ingress and Pokemon Go, rather than separate scans from one title alone. This clarification distinguishes broad mapping efforts from specific in-game data gathering.
Some players voiced uncertainty regarding the published statistics. One longtime participant told Dutch media he simply played the game without awareness of broader data usage. Niantic also noted that active scanning for Pokemon Go has stopped since Scopely took over publishing duties for the mobile title.
The developer maintains that its partnership with Vantor does not involve sharing Pokemon Go information. A spokesperson emphasized that current discussions about data exchange are not part of their agreement. The company continues to deny claims that game footage trains military systems.
Source: DEXERTO
