Pokemon Go players slam Niantic for “creepy” scanning challenge
The Pokemon CompanyPokemon Go players criticize Niantic for a challenge involving sending one player to scan a children’s playground.
Most of the daily tasks in Pokemon Go are easy to complete, as they involve doing things you’d be doing anyway, like catching Pokemon or using berries. If the daily task is a pain to complete, you can always remove it and try again by spinning PokeStops for new tasks.
One of the less common tasks involves visiting a real-world location and scanning it. This has its problems, as it could potentially send the player to a dangerous area or one that’s inappropriate for younger fans to visit.
There’s one fan who faces a particularly harsh penalty if they complete their assigned task, as attempting it could get them arrested.
Pokemon Go player was asked to scan a children’s playground
A user on the Pokemon Go Reddit has shared the latest daily task they have been given, which involves scanning a playground for kids. Taking photos of a place like that could easily get the player in trouble with the law, as pointed out by other users in the thread.
“Do it right there in the daylight full of kids. Walking in circles with your phone out,” one user joked, “I heard if you manage to convince the cops you’re not not guilty of anything Niantic sends you a shiny Bidoof.”
“In my area, some of the only stops left that I haven’t tagged are in the Little League field,” another user said, “and even though I am a very soft-looking woman with the zero bad intentions, I am not going to try walking in just to clear some new PokéStops.”
“I know! Why do the scans need to be playgrounds?” one user lamented, “Had this happen to me recently. Finally I was able to scan the playground without looking like an absolute weirdo because my friend invited me to the park with her 3 year old son lol.”
Some users pointed out that it’s possible to just scan the floor to complete the task, while others suggested leaving it unfinished, as you’ll never be asked to do anyone while it’s on the list.
Strangely, Pokemon Go doesn’t have safeguarding protocols to prevent such situations, especially with such a large adult fanbase. Players should report these tasks and try force Niantic’s hand, to ensure schools and play areas cannot be used as PokeStops.