Pokemon Go: Lessons in Privacy

Niantic, the developers behind the popular Pokemon Go virtual reality game, are being called to answer questions posed by US Senator. The privacy controversy that has surrounded the game has not dampened its popularity. By default game players are required to concede location data and must consent to ‘opt-in’ access to contacts, media and camera.
As per his letter Al Franken http://www.franken.senate.gov/files/letter/160712_PokemonGO.pdf

“I am concerned about the extent to which Niantic may be unnecessarily collecting, using, and sharing a wide range of users' personal information without their appropriate consent.

I believe Americans have a fundamental right to privacy, and that right includes an individual's access to information, as well as the ability to make meaningful choices, about what data are being collected about them and how the data are being used. As the augmented reality market evolves, I ask that you provide greater clarity on how Niantic is addressing issues of user privacy and security, particularly that of its younger players.“

The senator asked a question that many parents globally will be eager to hear an answer to:

“Finally, Pokemon GO s privacy policy specifically states that any information collected - including a child's - "is considered to be a business asset" and will thus be disclosed or transferred to a third party in the event that Niantic is party to a merger, acquisition, or other business transaction.”

In their response to the Senator’s letter, penned by Niantic's general counsel Courtney Greene, claim to have no desire to sell user data to third parties, including investors. They also reinforced the message that they have learned from their earlier mistakes that granted full permission access to users’ Google accounts, an error they have since rectified.

http://www.franken.senate.gov/files/documents/160826NianticResponse.pdf

“Niantic does not and has no plans to sell Pokemon Go user data -- aggregated, de-identified or otherwise -- to any third party," Courtney Greene Power wrote, instead data is shared with mobile app analytics companies and with marketing and analysis companies.

The importance of data privacy will become of greater concern as the virtual and real world collide. Readers are reminded to read the permissions list of each app and to refrain from installing apps that demand excessive levels of personal data.