Niantic Kids Will Offer Parental Controls In 'Pokémon Go'

Niantic has announced that it will be launching a new login system in “Pokémon Go.” The new system is called Niantic Kids and it will provide parents with a way to have control over their children’s privacy.

“Parents can register with Niantic Kids to manage their child’s privacy via the parent portal. Niantic Kids helps you review and approve your child’s permissions before they can play and provides options to control the personal information shared in ‘Pokémon Go,’ Niantic said in a blog post. “If your child currently uses the Pokémon Trainer Club to access ‘Pokémon Go,’ this log-in will still be supported alongside Niantic Kids and also ensures that your child’s information remains secure. You can continue to enjoy the game with your family in a way that suits you!”

Niantic Kids is being co-developed by SuperAwesome, an organization that’s known for providing digital privacy for kids who are under 13 years old. Niantic Kids should make it easier for parents to keep an eye on their children while they play “Pokémon Go.” Parents will also be able to set permissions that would allow their kids to trade Pokémon with their friends.

Niantic Kids is most likely Niantic’s solution to the way “Pokémon Go” works for trainers who are under 13 years old. Currently, kids can’t access sponsored gyms and PokéStops because of privacy and advertising laws that protect children. Unfortunately, blocking access to sponsored gyms and PokéStops also mean that it’s a lot more difficult for kids to participate in in-game events like EX-raids, as pointed out by Comicbook.com.

Another annoyance with playing “Pokémon Go” for someone who’s below 13 years of age is that they aren’t allowed to add friends and trade Pokémon, which was introduced by Niantic in June. Completely blocking off those features is kind of a letdown for kids who were eagerly waiting for them to be available.

With Niantic Kids on the way, kids will finally get access to the new “Pokémon Go” features, but their parents will still be in control so that their kids’ privacy is protected. “Niantic Kids gives you peace of mind that your child’s information remains secure while they have fun playing,” the developer said.

Niantic didn’t say when exactly the new login system will launch, but it’s likely that it might become available in the coming weeks. The developer did say that Niantic Kids will be available “soon.”