Niantic, the company behind the globally popular AR-based game Pokémon Go, has developed its own AI model for geospatial technology using data collected from millions of smartphones. The company claims that its large language model (LLM) for geospatial tech creates opportunities for new business ventures, including advanced 3D mapping that can be integrated into various applications.
Pokémon Go has served as a key tool for gathering this data. Niantic states that its terms of service clearly outline these data collection practices. However, it’s likely that many users have not thoroughly read these terms, which could raise concerns about how their data is being utilized. This update may come as an unsettling revelation for some who were previously unaware of Niantic’s intentions.
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Is Pokemon Go Really Free?
Pokémon Go, a game widely enjoyed for its free-to-play model with optional in-game purchases, has now revealed a different side to its operations. Over the years, millions of players have roamed streets, collected Pokémon, and explored new gyms and centers, all while unknowingly contributing valuable data to Niantic’s new Large Geospatial Model (LGM). This development sheds light on how the game’s free aspect has paved the way for an extensive data collection system.
Niantic recognises the immense value of the data generated by players traversing areas often inaccessible to vehicles. This GPS data and visual information have been used to train the company’s AI model, potentially creating lucrative revenue streams. However, these advancements raise serious questions about Niantic’s transparency and how user data is being leveraged. With these revelations, there is a strong possibility that Pokémon Go’s popularity, along with future games from the company, may face significant backlash in the coming weeks.
AI is rapidly emerging as a contentious topic globally, and Niantic has sparked yet another wave of concerns among regulators who are working to control the use of personal data in training these models. At the very least, Niantic should proactively communicate with its users, explaining the reasons behind these actions and how they plan to unfold in the near future.
