Niantic, the company behind the popular game Pokémon GO, has been utilizing the millions of players who have been exploring the virtual world to train artificial intelligence (AI) without their knowledge. This revelation has sparked a debate about the ethical implications of using unsuspecting individuals for AI training purposes.
The concept behind Niantic’s use of Pokémon GO players to train AI is to improve spatial intelligence in AI models. By having players interact with familiar structures like churches, statues, and town squares, the AI can learn to visualize and infer missing parts of a scene, as well as imagine a place from a new angle. This training data has allowed Niantic to create more than 50 million neural networks with over 150 trillion parameters, enabling the operation of their Visual Positioning System in over a million locations.
While Niantic sees this as a significant technical advancement, there are concerns raised by those outside the company. Many players were unaware that their actions in the game were contributing to AI training, leading to questions about informed consent and data privacy. Additionally, there is speculation about the potential uses of this AI technology, with some suggesting military applications for AI-powered weapons.
The use of AI in this manner has sparked controversy among various groups, including individuals in the otaku community such as actors, artists, and translators. The idea of unknowingly contributing to AI development has raised ethical questions about the responsibilities of companies like Niantic when it comes to transparency and user consent.
As the debate continues, it is essential for companies like Niantic to be transparent about their use of player data for AI training purposes. Players should have a clear understanding of how their actions in the game are being utilized and have the option to opt-out if they so choose. Ultimately, the ethical implications of using unwitting individuals for AI training must be carefully considered and addressed by all parties involved.
