Pokémon Go Players File Complaints with Federal Trade Commission Citing Safety, Privacy, and Microtransactions

One of the most talked about and popular games of 2016 is facing a new set of problems. Some players are not happy with the game and file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission. 

The complaints vary, but most of them revolve around microtransactions.

One user explained that they were paying Niantic Labs $450 without complaining but had their account banned after Niantic issued its new terms and agreement. Banning any account using third-party applications used for tracking or anything they saw fit.

“I had my account taken away from me without any warning or contact from Niantic. I have emailed them and sent in an appeal form against my ban,” the person wrote. “I would like to have all my money that I spent on their game refunded or my account returned to me so i can continue to play their game.”

Other complaints regard issues such as trespassing on private property and privacy:

“We have Pokémon Go players showing up at a house that does not play at all,” wrote one complainant. “We do not participate, download etc. PLZ remove the address. for others that do. It appears that our Gmail account was used incorrectly for others to participate and use this address.. It has cause anxiety (panic attacks) which causes physical intervention from Life Alert.”

“We are a small hospital in Oregon, and Nintendo Pokémon Go players are descending on our halls and asking to go into private areas to take pictures and get their game points. In the process, they may see our patients in rooms and halls. Our hospital works to protect patient privacy carefully, but it is in a dilemma: protect privacy versus public service. We ask that Nintendo NOT allow hospitals or clinics to be listed as sites where anyone may locate a Pokémon target.”

“The Pokémon Go mobile game privacy policy states that they access ‘PII such as email address,’ but their app requires FULL Google account access to function - giving them access to all emails, calendar contents, contacts, etc. At no time, when creating an account or linking the game to one’s Google account, does the app state the extent of the access or that the required access far exceeds what is described in the privacy policy.

Revoking access from one’s Google account forces the game to log out, and logging back into the game reinstates full Google account access. This game is aimed at children and very aggressively deceives players into revealing potentially incredibly private information.”

“I am deeply upset and concerned about the safety of every person playing Pokemon Go, especially the children. I almost killed a child today who was riding his bike and veered into the roadway holding his cell phone up. I have many friends and family members who report similar instance,s and I see on the news it is possible a death occurred due to this game and countless injuries and even attacks on those not paying attention to their surroundings.

This has to be one of the most unsafe products out! Not only for those who purchased it but for those who have not and may get in a car accident because of someone else playing it. Please get this product off the market as soon as possible!!!! Before children are killed!!!!!!! —- Additional Comments: Recall! Get it off the market!! It is unsafe!!!”

Pokémon Go has been the target of similar issues since its launch. People have died playing the game, going to unsafe lengths.