Pokemon Go players recently learned that the game’s developer, Niantic, is using their data to create a 3D model of the world before expanding it into a Large Geospatial Model with AI. Niantic is hoping to monetize this data, but even at this early stage, the company realizes that this could be put to use in unintended ways, including during war time.
As reported by 404 Media, Niantic Senior Vice President of Engineering Brian McClendon was asked about a military application of the company’s Large Geospatial Model during the Bellingcat’s Bellingfest event.
“I could definitely see it,” said McClendon. “I think the question is would there be anything that they would do with it that would be outside of what a consumer or a Bellingcat want to do with it. If the use case is identical, then that seems completely fine. If the use case is specific in military and adding amplitude to war then that’s obviously an issue.”
Take, for example, the ongoing war in Ukraine. If Russia had access to complete 3D models of Ukraine’s cities and countryside, it would give the invading country a tactical advantage that it doesn’t currently have. For now, Niantic hasn’t ruled out selling its LGM data to governments in the future.
“The LGM is an early stage project and is months or even years away from any kind of product,” noted a Niantic spokesperson when asked about the possibility of selling the data. “Just like any kind of AI, there will be important questions that arise and we’ll tackle those responsibly and thoughtfully.”
For now, we don’t have to worry about Pikachu and the other Pokemon being used to map out current combat zones in the near future. Niantic’s early map of the LGM model appears to be largely composed of locations in North America and Europe, while the rest of the world is a long way from being completed.
One of the franchise’s other mobile games, Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, recently attracted 30 million downloads in its first week alone. Additionally, Pokemon Gold and Silver now has a line of 25th- anniversary merchandise. But fans will have to wait until 2025 for Pokemon Legends Z-A, one of the next games in the series.