Protect privacy while using Pokémon GO
You like playing Pokémon GO? Good, but not forget your privacy!
Since this is an augmented reality game, Pokémon GO requires your GPS location and a data connection (either WiFi or cellular data), so you can not expect your privacy to be guaranted while playing this game.
Furthermore, the previous versions of Pokémon GO app requires extensive permissions to your Google account:
“See and modify nearly all information in your Google Account (but it can’t change your password, delete your account, or pay with Google Wallet on your behalf).”
This means that an old Pokémon GO app could:
- Read all your email.
- Send email on your behalf.
- Access your Google Drive documents (including deleting them).
- Look at your search history as well as Maps navigation history.
- Access your private photos stored in Google Photos.
- And a whole lot more.
Although the security hole has been patched in the current version, a new bug could be discovered at any time.
So, i feel to suggest don’t use your personal Gmail account to log in, as this links your personal information including your GPS location and Pokémon GO activity.
You can use a “disposable” Google account: create an all new Google account, with nothing in it, and use this account to sign into Pokémon GO as well as other apps that you may find doubtful.